DELEGATE HANDBOOK

Bring this handbook to the AAC

and place It in the notebook

provided at registration

2

Table of Contents

The Preconciliar Commission has prepared this Handbook to help you to understand the

role, structure, procedures and special features of the Eighteenth All-American Council

of The Orthodox Church in America, to be held in Atlanta, GA from July 20 to July 24,

2015. It also outlines your responsibilities as a delegate and the procedures related to

your preparation for and participation at the 18th All-American Council.

In anticipation, we welcome you to the Council, and prayerfully hope that it will be a

meaningful and productive gathering for The Orthodox Church in America.

1. Letters of Welcome

2. Introduction

3. Role of the All-American Council

4. Features and Structure of the 18th All-American Council

a. Symposiums and Workshops

b. Liturgical Services

c. Revised Statute Presentation and Resolutions Procedures

d. State of the Church/Diocesan Reports

e. Formal Dinner/Receptions

f. Displays and Vendors

g. FOCA

h. Youth Program

5. Instructions for Delegates and Observers

6. Delegate Participation

a. Plenary Sessions and Consideration of Resolutions

b. Other Business

c. Nominations to Church-Wide Positions

7. After the Council

8. Questions and Concerns

9. Projected Agenda

10. Appendix

a. Service for Opening/Closing of a Sacred Council

b. Submitted Resolutions

c. Revised Statute

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Introduction

Every three years, the bishops, clergy and lay delegates of the Orthodox Church in

America gather together in Council. The Church assembles for various reasons: to pray

together, to discuss the state of the Church, to share experiences and thoughts, and then to

deliberate and to make decisions affecting her life. Historically, the Church has gathered

to elect the primate, revise the statutes, hear reports on all aspects of the Church's life and

work and thus, set priorities for that work. Just as importantly, we gather to pray, to learn

from one another and have fellowship. This year’s Council is a critical one as the Church

builds upon the work of the past four years which were, in part, guided by the Strategic

Plan developed at the 16th All-American Council in Seattle. The highlight of the 18th All-

American Council will be two vitally important considerations. The first consideration is

how we will support the work of the Church which will shift the Church towards

proportionate giving and integrate a more equitable funding program for the Church. The

second, and perhaps most critical, consideration is the Revised Statute of the Orthodox

Church in America. This Revised Statute has been in the works for many years and has

reached its current status through the work of the Statute Commission. While there are

some changes found in the Revised Statute as well as some new Articles, the guiding

notion in the work of the Revision is to accurately reflect the reality of the functioning of

the Orthodox Church in America. The Holy Synod has blessed this Revised Statute and

now places it before the Church for approval.

The theme of the 18th All-American Council was taken from the 1st All-American Sobor

presided over by St. Tikhon (Belavin). The Sobor had convened in Mayfield, PA from

March 5 to 7, 1907 and was one of the first gatherings of the Church in North America.

St. Tikhon had been the ruling bishop since 1898 and had overseen some remarkable

developments. He had received his recall to a new See in Russia just a few weeks before

the Sobor and his replacement Archbishop Platon had not yet arrived so St. Tikhon

presided at the Sobor. The theme that was developed “How to Expand the Mission” was

adopted and discussed among the clergy and laypeople. What was also remarkable was

that four clergy who would eventually be canonized were present at that Sobor (St.

Tikhon, St. Alexis, St. Alexander and St. John). The Council established the precedence

of conciliarity and mission that has come to characterize the Orthodox Church in

America.

The Council will also integrate one afternoon of symposiums (Monday afternoon) and

two afternoons of workshops (Wednesday and Thursday afternoon). The symposiums are

voluntary information sessions which range from the Pension Plan to insurance questions

to different ministry possibilities. The workshops are in-depth opportunities for delegates

to reflect on the theme of the 18th All-American Council and its application to parish

ministry. There are ten workshops which will be repeated each day so each delegate will

have the chance to attend two at the Council. It is strongly recommended to take

advantage of this unique opportunity and to bring back the material to the parish.

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The Holy Synod had directed the Preconciliar Committee to specifically have a Youth

Program at the Council as had been done in the past. There has been much planning that

has gone into the Youth Program so that it mirrors the theme of the Council. It is strongly

recommended that all delegates attend the final Plenary Session on Friday as the Youth of

the Church will present their reflection on the theme of the Council. Please note that the

Youth Delegate area is off limits to delegates unless they have specific approved

business or a youth in the program.

Another highlight is that the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians (FOCA) will be holding

its annual convention in conjunction with the Council. This is the first time that it is

doing this and there will be much information on their good work in supporting the

mission of the Orthodox Church in America as well as new opportunities for individuals

and parishes to participate in FOCA. All delegates are invited to attend FOCA events on

the weekend before the Council. For more information see the FOCA website at

http://www.orthodoxfellowship.org.

An addition to the All-American Council is the Diocesan report. The Holy Synod has

requested that the Council take on some more Diocesan character while maintaining the

unity of the Orthodox Church in America. As such each diocese of the OCA will have an

opportunity to reflect before the Council how their own diocese is working to “expand

the Mission” in practical ways so that these could be shared and utilized throughout the

Church. Other Church-wide departments, institutions and programs will be addressing the

Council with the Council theme as the foundation of their reports.

There will also be numerous opportunities for fellowship during the Council which

includes receptions, the formal dinner and other outings. Please take advantage of all that

this Council has to offer. It is difficult to fit in everything into a five day program as well

as address all the concerns and issues in the Church. However, this Council has made a

balance between the work that needs to be done, the work that can be done and the work

that should be done. Participation in the many facets of the Council will make such a

balance successful.

Being a delegate to the All-American Council is an honor and responsibility. You have

been chosen by your parish or institution to act on their behalf at the deliberations that

will occur. However, you will also function as the representative of the Council to your

parish or institution. The conciliar process of arriving at decisions, made in truth and

love, can only come about when we are open, honest and respectful with each other, and

also willing to accept the “will of the Holy Spirit,” as it becomes manifest at the Council.

For this to happen, you are encouraged to spend time in quiet prayer and reflection before

the Council. Please also spend some time in preparation for it by learning about how the

Council works and what will occur during its sessions. For this purpose, the Preconciliar

Commission has prepared this handbook as well as the Report Book. It will help you

understand our roles and responsibilities as delegates as well as ensure you come to the

Council as informed as possible. Please spend some time reading it before your arrival in

Atlanta and ensure that any question you may have are already addressed. We look

forward to a successful 18th All-American Council.

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Role of the All-

American Council

According to the Statute of The Orthodox Church in America, "the highest legislative

and administrative authority within the Church is the All-American Council" (Art. III,

Sec. 1). All parishes are required to send delegates to the All-American Council.

Composed of the bishops, the parish clergy and an equal number of lay delegates, with

limited provision for representation from Church-related institutions, the purpose of the

Council is to represent, to make present the local Orthodox Church, which is in

communion with other local Churches worldwide.

Every Council agenda is packed. This is a reality of gathering together and trying to fit as

many programs and pieces together as possible. This does not mean that everyone has to

participate in every event. However, it was decided that by offering as much as we can at

this Council, we will give a positive picture of the OCA and also allow as many interests

and special concerns as possible to be addressed. By going to the Symposiums,

Workshops and receptions, you will able to experience the lively and broad activity of the

Church.

As preparation for the 18th All-American Council, participants and parishes are

specifically asked to:

Prepare through prayer for the All-American Council and ask for wisdom and

guidance for all participants.

Reflect on the theme of “How to Expand the Mission” as it will guide our discussions

before, during and after the Council.

Read the reflections on the theme of “How to Expand the Mission” found on the 18th

AAC website http://18aac.oca.org/category/reflections as they represent an informed

cross section of the Orthodox Church in America.

Participate in the Workshops and specifically read the Proposed Revised Statute, the

Proposed Funding Resolution as well as all of the submitted resolutions.

Share insights, concerns, and hopes on a variety of issues affecting the life of the

Church not only on a continental level but also on a local and individual level.

Explore and propose concrete plans and actions by which the Orthodox Church in

America can actualize the theme on a local level.

Contribute to an open, honest and transparent dialogue between clergy, laity, parishes,

diocese and the Church.

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With your fellow parishioners and in your personal life, determine to pray for and

support the work of the All-American Council.

It is not the goal of this All-American Council to resolve all the issues that we face as a

Church but rather to set a clear path that we will all follow as we move forward for the

next three years. The dialogue, initiatives, resolutions and information that are gathered

from the Council will be utilized and implemented over the next three years to ensure a

healthy future. We also pray that the discussions and results will enable us as a Church to

expand the mission of the Orthodox Church in America, the autocephalous Orthodox

Church in this land.

Features and

Structures of the

18th All-American

Council

The 18th All-American Council will try to address as many required reports as possible

while still allowing for a thorough discussion of such initiatives as the Proposed Revised

Statute, the Proposed Resolution to Support the Work of the Church as well as the other

concerns from the delegates at large. But it also seeks to allow for smaller discussion in

the workshops on practical aspects of parish operation. Thus, there will be less time for

reports and more time for small group discussion. It is hoped that this will give the

Council a different feel. There are a few agenda items that need to be accomplished such

as the reports on the work of the Central Administration and Departments, budgetary

issues and the election to Church-wide offices. But it is also hoped that more issues will

be dealt with in a positive and proactive manner through discussions and resolutions.

Especially after hearing comments from many people, the Preconciliar Commission was

committed to planning a more open feel to this Council. Some people also felt that

reports took too much time and that there was little opportunity for discussion. This AAC

will see a mixture of limited reports being presented with other reports being the

responsibility of the delegates to read beforehand to allow more time for discussions.

There will be plenty of time provided for initiatives and resolutions to be debated.

As a note, special arrangements have been made with Ancient Faith Radio to podcast the

sessions over the Internet so that the faithful in the Church may follow the Council. There

will also be interviews and discussions on the events featured on the OCA website and

Ancient Faith Radio. The entire Council will also be video and audio taped.

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Symposiums and

Workshops

There will be six symposiums and ten workshops during the Council. The symposiums

will be on Monday afternoon before the Council begins and will go from 1:30 PM to 4:30

PM. It is recommended that you arrive early on Monday if you would like to participate

in the symposiums. They are free and open to anyone. Their locations will be posted on

the electronic boards located throughout the hotel. The symposiums are as follows:

- Orthodox Christian Mission Center (The Work of OCMC) hosted by members

of the staff of OCMC

- Pension Board (On Your Pension) hosted by the members of the Pension Board

- Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (Establishing Prison Ministry in Parish)

hosted by local members of the Prison Ministry

- Russian Brotherhood Organization (Insuring Your Future) hosted by member of

the RBO

- Insurance Systems (Insuring Your Parish) hosted by the staff of Insurance

Systems

- Diaconal Vocations Program (Parish Deacon: Service and Leadership) a

training session for parish deacons hosted by Archdeacon Kyrill Sokolov

There are ten workshops to be held during the Council. They will be held on Wednesday

and Thursday afternoons from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM in various posted locations found on

the electronic boards throughout the hotel. The same workshop will be held on

Wednesday and Thursday so delegates will have an opportunity to attend two workshops

during the course of the Council. The workshops are open to delegates and they should

register for their choice during the registration process. The workshops count for credit

towards the continuing education initiative. The workshops are as follows:

- Mission Possible: Renewing the Vision in My Local Parish hosted by Fr.

David Rucker of the Mission School of the Orthodox Church in America

- 35 Ideas for a Mission Minded Church hosted by Fr. John Parker of the

Department of Evangelization

- Preaching the Gospel in a Campus Setting hosted by Andrew Boyd of the

Youth and Young Adult Department

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- Protecting the Youth hosted by Cindy Heise and Bernie Wilson of ORSMA

- “Send Me, O Lord”: Expanding the Mission through Matthew 25 Ministries

hosted by Donna Karabin of the Christian Service and Humanitarian Aid

Department

- Making Yourself Visible on the Web hosted by Ryan Platte of the

Communications Team of the OCA

- Creating Vibrant Orthodox Parishes hosted by Joe Kormos of the Parish

Development Ministry

- Teach Them the Way They Should Go (Proverbs 22:6): Raising Orthodox

Christian Children hosted by Valerie Zaharsky and the Department of Christian

Education

- Clergy Self Help hosted by Fr. Steven Voytovich, Dean of St. Tikhon Seminary

- Best Practices to Parish Finance hosted by Kh. Irene Khoury, CPA

Liturgical Services

The Liturgical services are at the heart of the 18th All-American Council as we gather

together in Council. To honor the local region, many parishes will close for the weekend

prior to Council for a joyful Hierarchical Liturgy at the hotel. This year, His Eminence

Metropolitan Alexios, Metropolitan of Atlanta and the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of

Atlanta will be hosting a Pan Orthodox Great Vespers at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral

of the Annunciation located in Atlanta on Saturday, July 18 at 6:30 PM. Transportation

will be provided from the hotel. The first Hierarchical Liturgy will be in the Grand

Ballroom of the hotel on Sunday, July 19 at 9:00 AM. All local clergy and faithful are

encouraged to attend the Liturgy with the Holy Synod of Bishops. Serving clergy will be

by invitation.

The Council will be integrating a number of services into its agenda. All services, unless

indicated, are at the Grand Ballroom. There will be daily Vespers on Monday, Tuesday

and Wednesday evenings at 5:00 PM. There will be an Akathist on Tuesday morning at

7:30 AM dedicated to the Wonderworking Icon of Our Lady of Sitka who will be present.

On Wednesday morning there will be an Akathist at 7:30 AM to the Wonderworking icon

of St. Anne which will also be present. On Thursday morning there will be the

Hierarchical Liturgy at 7:00 AM. Finally on Friday morning at 7:30 AM there will an

Akathist to All the Saints of North America. There will be daily compline for the youth

each evening at 10:30 PM in which delegates are invited to attend. The monastic

communities may be holding various daily services during the Council and these

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services’ times and locations will be posted. We will also have the relics of the different

North American saints present for veneration

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All delegates should attend the liturgical services. Singers are encouraged to help sing the

services with the mixed choir. The Council will also afford us the opportunity to hear

sermons and scriptural reflections from various clergy in the OCA. Time will be set aside

in the evenings for confession in the Chapel.

All clergy who will be asked to serve are requested to bring gold vestments. Those clergy

who desire to receive communion are asked to bring gold cuffs and stoles. Deacons will

wear a full set of gold vestments when either serving or receiving communion. Clergy are

asked to wear black cassock, black riassa and pectoral cross for all sessions, other ranks

of clergy are asked to wear black cassock and black riassa (if appropriate) or black

cassocks alone during the sessions. Lay people are asked to dress conservatively to all

services and sessions as is appropriate for Church occasions.

Proposed Revised Statute

Presentation and

Resolutions

As provided in the Statute of the Orthodox Church in America, the All-American Council

provides the opportunity to consider Statute Amendments and Resolutions for the

Church. The Proposed Revised Statute will be taken into consideration during the Second

Plenary Session on Tuesday morning. The Proposed Finance Resolution will be taken

into consideration at the Third Plenary Session on Tuesday afternoon. Other resolutions

will be assigned a place during all of the plenary sessions by the Resolution Committee

for consideration by the Council.

Statute Amendments have a specific procedure as determined in both the Charter of the

Orthodox Church in America which was passed by the New York State Senate on May

24, 1972 (Laws of the State of New York, Chapter 519 of the Laws of 1972) and the

current Statute of the Orthodox Church in America adopted in October, 1971 (Article

XIII, Sections 1 and 2). These instruments specifically require that “[p]roposed

amendments must be submitted to the Church 90 days prior to an All-American Council.

The parishes must have all proposed amendments to be acted upon by the All-American

Church Council in their possession 60 days prior to the Council.” The Charter of the

Orthodox Church in America further requires a two-thirds vote by the Council to alter,

amend or repeal the Statute. In addition, general rules of parliamentary law typically

stipulate that in the case of formerly adopted bylaws which are the subject of extensive

proposed amendments, these may be considered a single amendment with a vote for or

against adoption as a whole. As a consequence, the Holy Synod has adopted this

procedure for the adoption of the Proposed Revised Statute, i.e., that it will be considered

a single amendment with a single vote of adoption of the whole and must be adopted with

a two-thirds vote in favor.

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According to the present Statute there can be no Statute Amendments from the floor or

otherwise considered for this Council since such floor amendments could by definition

not meet the mandatory requirements of the current Statute. The Revised Statute has been

reviewed by the appointed Statute Commission, thereafter submitted in timely fashion

and then approved by the Holy Synod and have been publicized according to the

procedures outlined in the present Statute. The proposed revisions to the Statute have

been posted online at the AAC website and are included in the Appendix.

Resolutions on other matters may be submitted prior to and during the Council itself.

Those resolutions that have been submitted, signed by the Diocesan hierarch and

reviewed by the Resolutions Committee are included in the Appendix. Other resolutions

may be submitted on the floor but must be first cleared by the Resolutions Committee.

This committee will be appointed at the First Plenary Session. These resolutions must be

submitted to a Committee member on the official form, signed by a hierarch, reviewed by

the Resolution Committee and approved by the Holy Synod. There will be opportunities

at every session of the Council to offer and to vote on resolutions. The procedures are

found later in this handbook. The resolutions will be printed and distributed prior to any

vote by the Council and will be posted on the large screens in the plenary hall during the

actual vote on the resolution.

State of the Church

The Statute of the Orthodox Church in America states that the reports of the Church must

be distributed thirty days prior to the Council. These will be posted on the OCA website.

These are no longer mailed due to cost saving measures. It is strongly recommended that

each delegate download the reports and print them. A notebook with dividers will be

provided for all delegates at the Council. The reports are divided into a number of

sections. There are the reports of the Central Church officers as well as from each of the

departments, committees, commissions and institutions. The oral reports from a number

of these will be spread throughout the Plenary Sessions. The written reports should be

read beforehand. The Metropolitan will give an opening address. The officers will give a

short oral report at the Council and then open the floor for discussion. There will also be

a report by members of the Metropolitan Council on their work and a report from the

different department chairpersons.

Each Diocese has been asked to present a report on the work in their respective diocese.

This may be done by the diocesan hierarch or a designated person. Other reports will be

presented which have been blessed by the Holy Synod as in the interest of the Church.

Among such are reports on different Church-wide initiatives such as the Strategic Plan

and Mission School as well as reports by experts in certain fields such as Alexei

Krindatch.

The Treasurer and financial team will present their reports during the Third Plenary

Session as these will relate to the Proposed Funding Resolution. The written reports will

be distributed with the other reports. Incorporated in these reports are the financial

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statements to date, the proposed budgetary considerations and the report of the Internal

and External Auditors. There will also be a report by the Pension Board. There will be a

opportunity for questions and discussions about these reports with the financial team.

Integral to the reports will be the adoption of a resolution regarding the assessments to

support the work of the Church. It is recommended that any resolutions relating to the

financial aspect of the Church be held until the end of the financial report.

Formal

Dinner/Receptions

There are two scheduled receptions to be held during the 18th All-American Council. This

first reception will be on Tuesday evening at 8:00 PM in the Crystal Ballroom. This

reception is in honor of the three OCA Seminaries and opportunity to hear about their

good work and to participate in their plans for the future. The reception is open to

everyone and is funded by the Orthodox Church in America. Each Seminary will also

have a booth in the display area that may be visited at any time. Alumni groups may hold

a separate meeting which will be announced.

The second reception will be held on Wednesday evening at 8:00 PM in the Crystal

Ballroom. This reception is to honor those supporters of the Stewards of the Orthodox

Church in America and to elicit new support for the programs and initiatives of the

Church. The reception is open to everyone and people are encouraged to attend and

become a Steward of the Church.

There are two special breakfasts provided for at the Council. The first is on Tuesday

morning at 8:00 AM where all clergy wives (of our Priests and Deacons) are invited to

have breakfast with the Holy Synod in the Crystal Ballroom. Attendance should be noted

on the registration.

The other breakfast is on Thursday morning after the Hierarchical Liturgy. The Youth

Delegates and Volunteers will have breakfast with the Holy Synod also in the Crystal

Ballroom.

A Formal Dinner will be held on Thursday evening in the Grand Ballroom at 7:00 PM. It

will be preceded by a reception at 6:30 PM. There will be a special program provided for

the formal dinner. The dress code for the dinner will be black cassock, black riassa and

pectoral cross for clergy and business attire for lay people. All delegates are strongly

encouraged to attend the formal dinner, as it was included in the assessments. The

procedure for the dinner reservation is that after you register for the Council then proceed

to the formal dinner reservation table to make your seating selection. Your meal choice

should have been chosen when you registered. You will receive a ticket which should be

brought to the formal dinner itself. There will be a reception prior to the formal dinner

with a cash bar. The dinner reservations table will be open until Tuesday in order to

facilitate preparation. Any special dietary needs or requests will be honored if submitted

in due time prior to the Council and the dinner itself.

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Displays and Vendors

The Salon Ballroom has been designated for vendors and displayers for the delegates and

observers to visit. It is located in the Grand Ballroom Pre-Function area. It is open to the

public. There may also be displays located throughout the area. Displayers will normally

be departments and institutions of The Orthodox Church in America that highlight the

work being done in the Church. The exhibit area will normally be open daily from 9:00

AM to 10:00 PM beginning on Sunday and ending on Friday morning. Vendors from

different companies will be offering items for sale to the delegates. St. Tikhon’s and St.

Vladimir’s bookstores will each be present. There will also be special displays of selected

Assembly of Bishops organizations.

A highlight of this All-American Council will be the presence of artifacts and displays

from the Museum at St. Tikhon’s Monastery as well as other collections from around the

country. It will be located in a designated room which will be announced.

There will also be a portrait booth so that clergy (priests and deacons) can have their

formal portrait taken for inclusion in the clergy directory of the website. Every clergyman

is encouraged to participate and the booth will be located outside of the main ball room.

There will be plenty of time to peruse the exhibitors and they will normally be open

between sessions. A map and guide to the exhibits will be available upon registration.

Fellowship of Orthodox

Christians

FOCA will be holding its annual convention beginning on Saturday, July 18 through

Monday, July 20. There will be numerous events that FOCA will be sponsoring that

weekend including a golf tournament, excursions to Atlanta and a dinner dance on

Sunday evening. Delegates are invited to participate in these events and learn about the

good work of FOCA. The Plenary Session for FOCA will be held on Monday afternoon

and is for FOCA delegates. There will also be an information booth in the display area to

learn more about their work and how to open a FOCA chapter in your area. For more

information go to their website at http://www.orthodoxfellowship.org/conventions.html.

Youth Program

The Youth Program will be an exciting part of the 18th All-American Council. It will

gather youth from around the Church in fellowship and education. A dedicated team of

Youth Program Volunteers have put together an exciting program which combines

outings to the sites of Atlanta such as the Georgia Aquarium and the Atlanta Zoo. The

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program is open to all youth from Pre-School to 12th Grade. For information on the

program and how to register, go to http://oca.org/PDF/NEWS/2015/2015-0402-youth-

news-events-18aac.pdf. The cost for the youth program has been kept low in order to

facilitate participation. Youth Delegates are responsible for their own travel and hotel

rooms.

All of the youth activities will take place on the third floor of hotel and is off limits to

delegates. All Youth Program Volunteers have been screened and trained in Youth

Protection Policies. The Youth Delegates will be signed in at the beginning of the day

and signed out when the day is complete. Only approved parents or guardian will be able

to sign the youth in or out of the sessions. Preschool children must be accompanied with

at least one of their parents/guardians. For those sessions which are outside of the hotel,

there will be a number of chaperones to ensure a proper ratio of chaperone to youth. All

participants in the Youth Program will have specially designated shirts for the program.

The Youth Delegates will also have a special breakfast with the Holy Synod on

Thursday, July 23 after the Hierarchical Liturgy. They will have a chance to talk to the

Synod and ask questions.

The evenings of the Program will be dedicated to movies, activities, or sports. The Teens

will have a special and supervised “crash room” for them to relax. The program will end

each day for the older youth with Compline in the Chapel at 10:30 PM. The Sixth and

final Plenary Session of the Council will have a special presentation by the Youth on how

they understand “How to Expand the Mission.”

Instructions for

Delegates and

Observers

Every parish and institution of the Orthodox Church in America is to be represented at

the All-American Council. Each parish is allowed by the Statute to send its rector and a

lay delegate to the Council. Assigned associate priests and corresponding laypersons are

also permitted to attend as delegates. Church institutions and monasteries are represented

as well. Attached clergy or deacons cannot be considered delegates with a right to vote. If

there is a question on the voting status of a clergyman, please speak to your diocesan

bishop for clarification. All delegates are expected to register for the Council at the 18th

AAC website at http://18aac.oca.org. The registrations are reviewed and approved by

email from the parish rector (for lay persons) or the Preconciliar Commission for special

delegates. Once approved the names are forwarded to the appropriate bishop for

approval. Any problems with registrations should be addressed as soon as possible.

According to the Statute, each parish and institution sending delegates must be current on

their assessments in order to have voting privileges. Again, any questions on assessments

should be addressed as soon as possible to the OCA Treasurer. Once the delegates and

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observers are approved and financial status is confirmed, an email will be sent approving

their attendance and participation. Delegates are responsible for their own hotel and

travel arrangements unless otherwise indicated. There are special rates available from the

Hilton Atlanta that will extend for three days prior to and three days before and after the

Council. The individual delegates must handle any special requirements or needs

including extended stay time at the hotel.

Upon arrival at the Council, the delegates need to register for the Council. Registration

can be found in the lobby outside the Grand Ballroom on the second floor. Registration

will begin on Saturday, July 18 at 4:00 PM and continue into the evening. Registration

will be open every day. For those arriving late, registration will be moved to the

secretarial room located in Room 212 on Tuesday. Registration for Youth and FOCA

members will be at separate booths apart from the AAC registration.

Registration Booths will be set up alphabetically according to last name. Upon

registration, you will be given a badge with a bar code. This badge will serve as your

entry into all events. The Badge will be scanned upon entrance. There will be no

Plenary Session tickets. Volunteers will be stationed at the entrance doors to the Grand

Ballroom. Each type of delegate (clergy, lay and observer) will enter by the marked

doors. There will be special passes issued for guests, VIPs or special observers but these

do not have voting privileges.

Each delegate will receive a bag containing a notebook with additional material including

maps, agendas, local information and items to assist at the plenary sessions. It is vital

that delegates bring the reports downloaded from the website as they will not be

available at the Council. Each delegate must also register for their dinner seating.

Any special requests or needs can be addressed to the Secretarial Room (Room 212)

during the Council. Minutes of the plenary sessions will be approved by the bishops each

day and distributed at the next plenary session. Other documents to include resolutions,

reports, and election material will be made available in a timely manner to each delegate

at the sessions.

Each delegate is asked to come to the sessions in a timely manner prior to the session

beginning and to dress appropriately. There will be signs posted throughout the hotel

directing people to different locations as well as an electronic bulletin board to assist in

finding different locations and to post important messages.

There are many places in the adjacent Peachtree Center and Peachtree Street for meals in

all prices ranges. You will have to walk either through the tunnel on the second floor

though the adjacent Marriott Marquis (it can be a little confusing, but air conditioned, as

you need to then go to the third floor to get to the Mall) or simply exit the hotel and walk

west for two blocks. There are three restaurants of various prices in the hotel itself. We

have provided longer meal breaks so that people can move to any of the locations to eat.

Delegates and paid observers will receive tickets for the Formal Dinner on Thursday

18

evening. All other meals are on one’s own. A list of the many easily accessible

restaurants in the area will be included in the registration packet.

Delegate

Participation

In order to have delegates seated at the Council, parishes must have:

Remitted all financial obligations to The Orthodox Church in America, including the

All-American Council assessment, and

Filed the necessary registration information with the Preconciliar Commission.

When you arrive at the Council, you must register to verify that your credentials are in

order. You will receive voting cards, an official folder for your Council papers, and other

information. As a delegate you are expected to be present at all plenary sessions of the

Council and participate in as many workshops as you can. In addition, there are Church

Ministries’ displays, diocesan displays, bookstores, vendors and fellowship activities for

you to take part in.

Plenary Sessions and

Considerations of

Resolutions

Two vice-chairpersons assist the Metropolitan as presiding officer and Chair of the

Council, one vice chairperson from the clergy and one vice chairperson from the laity, in

conducting the proceedings of the Council in an orderly manner. This Council will have

an external professional parliamentarian to advise the Chair and vice-chairpersons on

questions of procedure. The parliamentarian is a consultant with whom the Chair and

vice-chairpersons can consult as necessary for clarification and guidance on matters of

procedure and order. Decisions on such procedural matters are the responsibility solely of

the Chair and vice-chairpersons. Any appeal of any decision by a vice-chairperson on

such matters will be determined by the Chair, i.e., the Metropolitan. As with all other

actions taken by the Council, the ultimate and final blessing and approval of the Holy

Synod will be required. There will be a secretariat that will take the official minutes of

the Council.

As provided by the current Statute, a simple majority vote shall determine most decisions

of the All-American Council. Voting is usually done by a show of cards, but certain

matters, including elections, will be decided by secret ballot.

19

The Proposed Statute Revision must be adopted by a 2/3 majority according to the

Charter of the Orthodox Church in America. The Charter of the Orthodox Church in

America which was passed by the New State Senate on May 24, 1972 (Laws of the State

of New York, Chapter 519 of the Laws of 1972) so mandates. The current Statute of the

Orthodox Church in America adopted in October 1971 (Article XIII, Sections 1 and 2)

explicitly requires that “[p]roposed amendments [to the Statute] must be submitted to the

Church 90 days prior to an All-American Council. The parishes must have all proposed

amendments to be acted upon by the All-American Church Council in their possession 60

days prior to the Council.” In addition, general rules of parliamentary law typically

stipulate that in the case of formerly adopted bylaws which are the subject of extensive

proposed amendments, these may be considered a single amendment with a vote for or

against adoption as a whole. As a consequence, the Holy Synod has adopted this

procedure for the adoption of the Proposed Revised Statute, i.e., that it will be considered

a single amendment with a single vote of adoption of the whole and must be adopted with

a two-thirds vote in favor.

According to the present Statute there can be no Statute Amendments from the floor or

considered for this Council. The current Proposed Revised Statute has been reviewed by

the appointed Statute Commission, submitted and approved by the Holy Synod and has

been publicized according to the procedures determined in the Statute. They are posted

online at the AAC website and are included in the Appendix.

Resolutions can be submitted prior to and at the Council itself. Those resolutions that

have been submitted, signed by the Diocesan hierarch and reviewed by the Resolutions

Committee are included in the Appendix. Other resolutions may be submitted on the floor

but must first be approved by the Resolutions Committee. This committee will be

appointed at the First Plenary Session. These resolutions must be submitted to a

Committee member on the official form, signed by a hierarch, reviewed by the

Resolution Committee and ultimately approved by the Holy Synod. There will be

opportunities at every session to offer and to vote on resolutions. The resolutions will be

printed and distributed prior to the vote and will be posted on the large screens in the

plenary hall during the actual vote on the resolution.

The adoption of the Proposed Funding Resolution and all other resolutions and matters

before the Council will be by a simple majority vote as provided for in the Statute,

Article III, Section 14 which states that "[a] majority vote shall determine the decisions of

the All-American Council. The Pre-Conciliar Commission, or the Council itself, may

determine that voting in certain matters shall be by secret ballot."

Both "round table" discussion and floor debate can be employed at the discretion of the

presiding Chair or vice-chairperson during plenary sessions. With such a large number of

people participating, round table discussion enables everyone to speak freely, while floor

debate moves a resolution to a decision. For self-evident reasons, floor debate must be

reasonable, respectful and focused in terms of both content and duration. Presumptively,

the following guidelines for consideration of a resolution will be used:

20

Delegates to the Council may submit resolutions prior to the Council or at the Council.

A resolution must be submitted in writing on the official form, signed by a bishop and

must first go to the Resolutions Committee.

The Resolutions Committee will assess the propriety of the resolution and, if they

deem it appropriate, will recommend it to the Holy Synod. The Resolutions Committee

may also deem it appropriate to consolidate resolutions and redraft them if necessary. If

the Holy Synod deems the resolution appropriate for consideration by the Council, it will

be brought to the floor of the Council.

During the appropriate Plenary Session, the Resolutions Committee will present the

proposed resolution(s) related to the topic of that session. The introduction will serve to

give background information, to explain the development of the resolution, and formally

to place the resolution before the Council.

Once before the Council, all resolutions will be open for general debate and possible

amendment. Such proposed amendments must be presented to the presiding Chair or

vice-chairperson in writing but need not be submitted to the Resolutions Committee in

advance; they must be germane. The requirement for the submission of written proposed

amendments to a resolution made from the floor shall not be waived.

The debate on resolutions shall be strictly limited to no more than ten speakers, five in

favor, and five in opposition, speaking alternately, as recognized by the presiding Chair

or vice-chairpersons. Each speaker shall have up to but not more than three minutes to

discuss the resolution. If deemed necessary, additional speakers may, in the sole

discretion of the presiding Chair or vice-chairpersons, be invited to speak.

Debate on any amendments to resolutions shall be subject to the same limitations as

for resolutions; when an amendment is the pending order of business, the delegates shall

speak to the merits of the amendment only.

A delegate may speak on a resolution or proposed amendment thereto only once. Any

delegate who has already spoken to any main motion will not thereafter be permitted to

speak from the floor as to any amendments to that motion.

If, during the consideration of a resolution or an amendment, it appears to the presiding

Chair or vice chairpersons that a period of informal discussion would be appropriate, he

may propose such. If the Council verbally agrees, then a five-minute period of round

table discussions will take place.

Once an amendment has been disposed of (i.e., adopted or rejected), debate shall

resume where it left off on the proposed resolution, as (possibly) amended.

If appropriate, the presiding Chair or vice chairperson may call upon qualified persons

to speak to technical points of a resolution or amendment; these interjections shall not be

considered as part of the ten-person debate.

21

In compliance with the Statute, the resolutions of each session are examined by the

Holy Synod at the end of the session and voted upon. No resolution shall be valid unless

approved by a vote of at least a majority of the bishops attending the Council. Their

approval, or reason for disapproval, is then reported to the Council at the beginning of the

following plenary session.

General principles of parliamentary law will be followed during all sessions of the

Council where these will reasonably aid and expedite the accomplishment of the work of

the Council. Any appeal from the ruling of a vice chairperson will be directed to and

resolved by the presiding Chair (i.e., the Metropolitan). As is the case with all other

actions taken by the Council, the ultimate approval of the Holy Synod is required.

The following rules have been determined by the Holy Synod to pertain to the

consideration of the Proposed Revised Statutes.

The Proposed Statute Amendment will be considered as a whole and not seriatim (i.e.

line by line or article by article). It has been determined by the Holy Synod that this

matter constitutes an amendment to the existing Statute and thus this procedure is

required in compliance with the existing provisions of the OCA Statute.

There will be no amendments or changes allowed to the Proposed Statute from the

floor due to the interconnected nature of the document as well as the terms of the existing

OCA Statute regarding amendments to that Statute. Small changes such as scrivener's

errors in spelling or grammar or clear editorial mistakes may be proposed.

Any proposed amendments of any kind or character to the Proposed Revised Statute

may, if that Revised Statute is adopted by the Council and approved by the Holy Synod,

be considered at a future All-American Council in accordance with the amendment

procedures as set forth in the Revised Statute..

Debate from the floor of the Council on the Proposed Revised Statute must be on the

merits of the Statute, including questions relating to inaccuracy or confusion relating to

language or phrasing, or questions of clarification. Discussion must be addressed to

reasons on the merits to adopt or reject the Proposed Statute.

Due to the important nature of the Proposed Revised Statute, the debate on the motion

to adopt the Proposed Revised Statute shall be extended to twenty speakers, ten in favor,

and ten in opposition, speaking alternately, as recognized by the presiding Chair or vice-

chairperson. Each speaker shall have up to three minutes to discuss the resolution. If

deemed necessary in the discretion of the Presiding Chair or vice-chairperson, additional

speakers may be invited to speak.

The final vote on the Proposed Statute will be a simple vote of approval or

disapproval. There will need to be 2/3 majority for approval. That number will be

determined and announced prior to the vote.

22

Other Business

Any other matters may be brought up to the assembly during the time allotted for "Other

Business." However, these matters may not be resolved by the enactment of impromptu

resolutions. Those concerns will be minuted and referred to the appropriate office or

department for further study or action.

Nominations to Church-

Wide Positions

In accordance with the Statute and resolutions of former All-American Councils,

delegates of the Eighteenth All-American Council will elect people to positions on the:

Metropolitan Council (1 clergy position for a six year term, 1 clergy position for a

three year term, 1 clergy alternate, 1 layperson position for a six year term, 1 layperson

position for a three year term and 1 layperson alternate). The persons with the highest

vote total will receive a six-year term, the next highest will receive the three year term

and the third highest will be the alternate.

Pension Board (1 clergy positions for a six year term, 1 clergy to a three year term and

1 clergy alternate, 1 layperson position for a six year term, 1 layperson position for a

three year term and 1 layperson alternate). The persons with the highest vote total will

receive a six-year term, the next highest will receive the three year term and the third will

be designated as alternate.

Due to the Statute Amendment passed at the Fifteenth All-American Council, Article

III, Section 15 is no longer in effect. There will be no election for an Auditing Committee

which is now appointed by the Metropolitan Council of qualified professionals. See the

OCA Statute for exact wording of this amendment.

Only delegates present at the All-American Council may be nominated for election.

Delegates who have reached the statutory limitation of their service in a Church-

wide office are not eligible to be nominated or elected. See the Statute for these

limitations.

Following each Plenary Session on Tuesday and Wednesday, nominations can be

submitted to the Nomination Committee for possible candidates (who are Council

delegates) for Church-wide positions. Nominations must be submitted on the official

form each member of the Nomination Committee will carry and returned to them as soon

as possible. If the nominee accepts the nomination, he or she will complete and submit a

biographical information form to the Nominations Committee by the end of Wednesday’s

sessions.

23

The Nominations Committee will meet Wednesday and review the resumes of the

nominees. Based upon this review, the Committee will then prepare a slate of candidates

and present the slate to the Council during the 5th Plenary Session to be held on Thursday

morning.

During this plenary session, each delegate will receive a voting form. This form will

include the names and resumes of all those who were nominated by the end of day on

Wednesday. Election results will be announced at the 5th Plenary Session on Thursday

morning, with the installation of members to the Metropolitan Council and Pension

Board at the end of the 6th Plenary Session on Friday.

After the Council

As a delegate to the All-American Council, you represent your parish to the entire body

of The Orthodox Church in America giving account for your parish's life and witness, its

stewardship of resources and vision for the future. Likewise, you represent The Orthodox

Church in America to your parish. Most of your fellow parishioners will never have the

opportunity to witness a Council at work. Your impressions, as much as the details of the

decisions and resolutions, are important to share with others when you return home.

Set aside some time when parishioners can look over your materials, can hear about the

Council actions which affect them, can even re-debate some of the issues based on the

direction decided upon at the Council. Help your parishioners understand the implications

of the Council's decisions for their own spiritual life and ministry, and for the parish

community's life and witness. Bring home the message that the diocese and the Orthodox

Church in America support the mission of the parish. Continue to call attention to the

fruitfulness of the Council as you see articles that indicate progress and accountability on

the OCA website. Your positive attitude can serve as an example to others and help The

Orthodox Church in America fulfill its mission.

Not only do you have the responsibility to share what you have seen and heard and done

at the Council, but having participated in the passage of the All-American Council

decisions, you also bear some responsibility for their being understood and implemented

by your parish. Whether you personally voted for or against a matter, once it is enacted

by the Council and approved by the bishops, it represents the "mind of the Church" on

the matter and thus deserves your support as you present it to your parish and follow its

implementation. At that point you are, in effect, a spokesperson for The Orthodox Church

in America to your parish, bearing witness to its conciliar decision-making process.

Questions and

Concerns

24

Any questions or concerns about the Council can be brought to the attention of the Holy

Synod of Bishops, Central Church Administration, Metropolitan Council, the Preconciliar

Commission or the Local Committee. If there are concerns or issues during the Council,

they may be addressed to members of the Preconciliar Commission who will meet each

evening during the Council itself. Other immediate issues should be brought to the

attention of the Local Committee or the Central Church Administration.

25

18th All-American

Council

July 20-July 21, 2015

Atlanta, Georgia

“How to Expand the

Mission”

Projected Agenda

Friday, July 17 (Pre-Council)

Time Event Room

All Day Arrival of Council Team

All Day Unload Truck

4:00 PM Meet with Hotel Staff Executive Boardroom

6:30 PM Meet with Executive

Committee

Executive Boardroom

Saturday, July 18 (Pre-Council/FOCA)

Time Event Room

All Day AAC/FOCA Delegate

Arrival

8:00 AM - 1:00 PM FOCA Outing/FOCA

Golf Outing

Offsite

3:00 PM FOCA Registration Grand Ballroom Pre-Function area

4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Holy Synod Arrival Lobby and Grand Ballroom

Pre-Function area

4:30 PM Choir Rehearsal Room 203

6:00 PM Transport to GOA

Cathedral

Lobby

6:30 PM Great Vespers followed

by a reception

Greek Orthodox Cathedral of

the Annunciation

7:00 PM Move-In and Set-up Grand Ballroom and Hotel

8:00 PM – 11:00 PM FOCA Welcome

Reception and Youth

Event

Crystal Ballroom

Sunday, July 19 (Pre-Council)

Time Event Room

All Day Set-Up Hotel

8:00 AM Vesting for Liturgy Clergy - Room 206

Hierarchs - Room 207

26

9:00 AM Procession Grand Ballroom

9:30 AM Hierarchical Liturgy with

Local Clergy

Grand Ballroom

12:30 PM Holy Synod

Brunch/Meeting

Room 211

1:00 PM - 10:00 PM Registration Open

FOCA Registration Open

Baba’s Auction

Youth Office Open

Exhibits Open

Grand Ballroom Pre-Function area

Grand Ballroom Pre-Function area Room 209

Room 301

Salon Ballroom

2:30 PM Synod Outing to MLK

Center

Lobby

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM Youth Program Meetings

with Staff and Parents

Rooms 302-305

6:00 PM

7:00 PM

FOCA Dinner Dance

Youth Meet and Greet

Grand Ballroom

Rooms 303-305

6:30 PM Organizational Meetings Rooms 201, 202, 214

9:00 PM Youth Staff Training Rooms 302-303

All Day Friends of Bill W Room 410

Monday, July 20 (Day 1)

Time Event Room

8:00 AM Holy Synod

Breakfast/Meeting

Room 211

9:00 AM – 10:00 PM Council Registration

Secretarial Room

Exhibits

Grand Ballroom Pre-Function area Room 212

Salon Ballroom

9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Religious Ed/Playgroup Rooms 302-314

9:00 AM – 12:30 PM DoMW Assembly Crystal Ballroom C-D

9:00 AM – 12:30 PM DoS Assembly Crystal Ballroom A-F

9:00 AM – 12:30 PM DoW Assembly Grand Ballroom B

9:00 AM FOCA Outing Lobby

10:30 AM – 4:00 PM Youth Outing to Georgia

Aquarium/CocaCola/CNN

Lobby

1:00 PM Holy Synod

Lunch/Meeting

Room 211

1:30 PM – 4:30 PM FOCA Plenary Session Grand Ballroom A

1:30 PM – 4:30 PM Symposiums:

OCMC Room 206

Pension Board Room 214

Prison Ministry Room 204

RBO Room 202

Insurance Systems Room 203

Diaconal Training Room 201

4:30 PM Committee Meetings Rooms 201, 202, 214

27

5:30 PM Vespers Grand Ballroom

6:00 PM Holy Synod/Met Council

Dinner Meeting

Rooms 201-211

7:30 PM – 9:30 PM Movie Night for Youth

Crash Room for Teens

Rooms 309-310

7:30 PM - 10:00 PM Plenary Session I Grand Ballroom

Opening Molieben

Call to Order

Welcome/Organization

PCC Bishop Welcome

Local Committee

Welcome

Metropolitan’s Address

Questions

Chancellor/Secretary

Reports

Questions

Housekeeping

10:30 PM Youth Compline Grand Ballroom

All Day Friends of Bill W Room 410

Tuesday, July 21 (Day 2)

Time Event Room

7:30 AM Akathist to Sitka Icon Grand Ballroom

8:00 AM Clergy Wives Breakfast Crystal Ballroom

9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Religious Ed/Playgroup Rooms 302-314

9:00 AM - 10:00 PM Secretarial Room

Exhibits

Room 212

Salon Ballroom

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM Plenary Session II Grand Ballroom

Opening Prayer

Diocesan Reports

Metropolitan Council

Report

Proposed Revised Statute

Presentation

Nominations Procedures

Resolutions

Housekeeping

10:30 AM – 4:00 PM Youth Outing to Georgia

Aquarium/Coca Cola/CNN

Lobby

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch Recess Local Sites

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Holy Synod Lunch/Meeting Room 211

2:30 PM - 4:30 PM Plenary Session III Grand Ballroom

Diocesan Reports

Treasurer’s Report

28

Auditor’s Report

Pension Board Report

Finance Resolution

Resolutions

Housekeeping

5:00 PM Vespers Grand Ballroom

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Dinner Local Sites

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Holy Synod Dinner/Meeting Room 211

7:00 PM Committee Meetings Rooms 201, 202, 214

7:30 PM – 9:30 PM Crash Room for Teens Rooms 309-310

8:00 PM – 10:00 PM Joint Seminary Reception Crystal Ballroom

9:30 PM Youth Compline Grand Ballroom

All Day Friends of Bill W Room 410

Wednesday, July 22 (Day 3)

Time Event Room

7:30 AM Akathist to St. Anne Icon Grand Ballroom

8:00 AM Holy Synod Breakfast Room 211

9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Religious Ed/Playgroup Rooms 302-314

9:00 AM - 10:00 PM Secretarial Room

Exhibits

Room 212

Salon Ballroom

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM Plenary Session IV Grand Ballroom

Opening Prayer

Diocesan Reports

Strategic Plan Report

External Affairs Report

Military Chaplain Report

Institutional Chaplain

Report

Departments Report

Resolutions

Housekeeping

10:30 AM – 4:00 PM Youth Outing to Zoo

Atlanta

Lobby

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch Recess Local Sites

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Holy Synod Lunch/Meeting Room 211

1:30 PM - 4:30 PM Workshops I:

Mission Possible Room 211

35 Ideas Room 201

Preaching on Campus Room 202

Protecting Youth Room 203

Matthew 25 Ministry Room 204

Visible on Web Room 205

Vibrant Parishes Room 206

Raising Children Room 210

29

Clergy Self Help Room 207

Parish Finances Room 214

5:00 PM Great Vespers/

Confessions

Grand Ballroom

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Dinner Local Sites

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Holy Synod Dinner/Meeting Room 211

7:00 PM Committee Meetings Rooms 201, 202, 214

7:30 PM – 9:30 PM Crash Room for Teens

Pool Party

Rooms 309-310

8:00 PM – 10:00 PM Stewards of the OCA

Reception

Crystal Ballroom

9:30 PM Youth Compline/

Confessions

Grand Ballroom

All Day Friends of Bill W Room 410

Thursday, July 23 (Day 4)

Time Event Room

6:30 AM Vesting for Liturgy Clergy – Room 206

Hierarchs – Room 207

7:00 AM Divine Liturgy Grand Ballroom

9:00 AM - 10:00 PM Secretarial Room

Exhibits

Room 212

Salon Ballroom

9:00 AM Holy Synod Breakfast with

Youth

Crystal Ballroom

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM Plenary Session V Grand Ballroom

Opening Prayer

Elections

Diocesan Reports

Mission School Report

Assembly of Bishop Report

Krindatch Presentation

Election Results

Resolutions

Housekeeping

10:30 PM – 4:00 PM Youth Outing to 6 Flags

Waterpark

Lobby

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch Recess Local Sites

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Holy Synod

Lunch/Meeting

Room 211

1:30 PM - 4:30 PM Workshops II:

Mission Possible Room 211

35 Ideas Room 201

Preaching on Campus Room 202

Protecting Youth Room 203

Matthew 25 Ministry Room 204

30

Visible on Web Room 205

Vibrant Parishes Room 206

Raising Children Room 210

Clergy Self Help Room 207

Parish Finances Room 214

6:00 PM – 10:30 PM Youth Banquet at Greek

Metropolis

Lobby

6:30 PM Reception Grand Ballroom Pre-Function

area

7:30 PM – 10:00 PM Formal Dinner Grand Ballroom

7:30 PM Exhibit Tear-Down Salon Ballroom

10:30 PM Youth Compline Grand Ballroom

All Day Friends of Bill W Room 410

Friday, July 24 (Day 5)

Time Event Room

7:30 AM Akathist to All Saints of

North America

Grand Ballroom

8:00 AM Holy Synod Breakfast Room 211

9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Prep for AAC

Presentation

Rooms 302-314

9:00 AM - 10:00 PM Secretarial Room Room 212

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Exhibitor Area Load-out Salon Ballroom

9:30 AM – 12:30 PM Plenary Session VI Grand Ballroom

Opening Prayer

Installation of Council

Diocesan Reports

Monastery Report

Seminary Report

Youth Presentation

Other Business

Open Discussion

Final Resolutions

Closing Molieben

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Holy Synod/ Metropolitan

Council/ PCC Luncheon

Rooms 210-211

2:00 PM Breakdown of Council

and Departure

Grand Ballroom

Until 1:00 PM Friends of Bill W Room 410

Ser

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an _

____

____

__, f

or th

e H

oly

Syno

d of

Bis

hops

, fo

r th

e ho

nora

ble

prie

stho

od,

the

diac

onat

e in

Chr

ist,

for a

ll th

e cl

ergy

, and

peo

ple,

let u

s pra

y to

the

Lord

.

Peo

ple

:Lo

rd, h

ave

mer

cy.

Dea

con:

For t

he P

resi

dent

of o

ur c

ount

ry, f

or a

ll ci

vil a

utho

ritie

s, an

dfo

r the

arm

ed fo

rces

, let

us

pray

to th

e Lo

rd.

Peo

ple

:Lo

rd, h

ave

mer

cy.

Dea

con:

For t

his

city

, for

eve

ry c

ity a

nd c

ount

ry, a

nd fo

r the

faith

ful

dwel

ling

in th

em, l

et u

s pr

ay to

the

Lord

.

Peo

ple

:Lo

rd, h

ave

mer

cy.

Dea

con:

For

seas

onab

le w

eath

er, f

or th

e ab

unda

nce

of th

e fr

uits

of

the

earth

, and

for p

eace

ful t

imes

, let

us

pray

to th

e Lo

rd.

Peo

ple

:Lo

rd, h

ave

mer

cy.

Dea

con:

For t

rave

lers

by

land

, by

sea,

and

by

air,

for t

he si

ck a

nd th

esu

fferin

g, fo

r cap

tives

and

thei

r sal

vatio

n, le

t us

pray

to th

eLo

rd.

Peo

ple

:Lo

rd, h

ave

mer

cy.

2

5

GO

DIS

TH

EL

OR

D

Dea

con:

In th

e 8t

h To

ne: G

od is

the

Lord

and

has

reve

aled

Him

self

unto

us!

Ble

ssed

is H

e th

at c

omes

in th

e na

me

of th

e Lo

rd!

O g

ive

than

ks u

nto

the

Lord

for H

e is

goo

d: fo

r His

mer

cyen

dure

s fo

reve

r.

Dea

con:

All

natio

ns su

rrou

nded

me;

in th

e N

ame

of th

e Lo

rd I

with

-st

ood

them

!

Peo

ple

:R

epea

ts “

God

is th

e Lo

rd.”

Dea

con:

I sh

all n

ot d

ie, b

ut s

hall

live,

and

rec

ount

the

deed

s of

the

Lord

!

Peo

ple

:R

epea

ts “

God

is th

e Lo

rd.”

Dea

con:

The

ston

e w

hich

the

build

ers

reje

cted

has

bec

ome

the

head

of th

e co

rner

. Thi

s is

the

Lord

’s d

oing

; and

it is

mar

velo

usin

our

eye

s!

Peo

ple

:R

epea

ts “

God

is th

e Lo

rd.”

then

sin

gs th

e tro

pario

ns.

Peo

ple

:Lo

rd, h

ave

mer

cy.

Dea

con:

That

He

will

inst

ill in

the

mem

bers

of t

his

Sacr

ed C

ounc

ilon

enes

s of

min

d, h

arm

ony

of s

pirit

, go

od i

nten

tions

and

wis

e ac

tion

for t

he b

enef

it of

His

Hol

y C

hurc

h, le

t us

pray

to th

e Lo

rd.

Peo

ple

:Lo

rd, h

ave

mer

cy.

Dea

con:

For

our

deliv

eran

ce f

rom

all

affli

ctio

n, w

rath

, dan

ger,

and

nece

ssity

, let

us

pray

to th

e Lo

rd.

Peo

ple

:Lo

rd, h

ave

mer

cy.

Dea

con:

Hel

p us

, sav

e us

, hav

e m

ercy

on

us, a

nd k

eep

us, O

God

, by

Thy

grac

e.

Peo

ple

:Lo

rd, h

ave

mer

cy.

Dea

con:

Com

mem

orat

ing

our

mos

t ho

ly, m

ost

pure

, mos

t bl

esse

d,an

d gl

orio

us L

ady,

the

The

otok

os a

nd e

ver-V

irgin

Mar

y,w

ith a

ll th

e sa

ints

, let

us c

omm

end

ours

elve

s and

eac

h ot

her,

and

all o

ur li

fe u

nto

Chr

ist o

ur G

od.

Peo

ple

:To

The

e, O

Lor

d.

Hie

rarc

h:Fo

r to

The

e ar

e du

e al

l gl

ory,

hon

or, a

nd w

orsh

ip:

to t

heFa

ther

, and

to th

e So

n, a

nd to

the

Hol

y Sp

irit,

now

and

eve

ran

d un

to a

ges

of a

ges.

Peo

ple

:A

men

.

4

Peo

ple

:

7

Glo

ry to

the

Fath

er, a

nd to

the

Son,

and

to th

e H

oly

Spir

it.T

RO

PA

RIO

NS

6

9

PR

OK

EIM

EN

ON

/ E

PIS

TL

E /

GO

SP

EL

Dea

con:

Let u

s at

tend

!

Hie

rarc

h:Pe

ace

be u

nto

all.

Rea

der

:A

nd to

you

r spi

rit.

Dea

con:

Wis

dom

!

Rea

der

:Th

e Pr

okei

men

on in

the

4th

Tone

: Let

the

radi

ance

of

the

Lord

our

God

be

upon

us,

and

esta

blis

h th

e w

ork

of o

urha

nds!

Now

and

eve

r, an

d un

to a

ges o

f age

s. A

men

.

8

11

mad

e H

im s

it at

His

righ

t han

d in

the

heav

enly

pla

ces,

far

abov

e al

l rul

e an

d au

thor

ity a

nd p

ower

and

dom

inio

n, a

ndab

ove

ever

y na

me

that

is n

amed

, not

onl

y in

this

age

, but

also

in

that

whi

ch i

s to

com

e; a

nd H

e ha

s pu

t al

l th

ings

unde

r H

is f

eet a

nd h

as m

ade

Him

the

head

ove

r al

l thi

ngs

for t

he C

hurc

h, w

hich

is H

is B

ody,

the

fulln

ess o

f Him

Who

fills

all

in a

ll.

Hie

rarc

h:Pe

ace

be u

nto

you,

read

er.

Rea

der

:A

nd to

you

r spi

rit, A

llelu

ia, A

llelu

ia, A

llelu

ia.

Dea

con:

Wis

dom

! Let

us

atte

nd! L

et u

s he

ar th

e H

oly

Gos

pel.

Hie

rarc

h:Pe

ace

be u

nto

all!

Peo

ple

:A

nd to

you

r spi

rit.

Hie

rarc

h:Th

e re

adin

g is

from

the

Hol

y G

ospe

l acc

ordi

ng to

Sa

int J

ohn.

Peo

ple

:G

lory

to T

hee,

OLo

rd, g

lory

to T

hee!

Dea

con:

Let u

s at

tend

!

Hie

rarc

h:A

t th

at t

ime

Jesu

s lif

ted

up H

is e

yes

to h

eave

n an

d sa

id:

“Fat

her,

the

hour

has

com

e; g

lorif

y Th

y So

n th

at th

e So

nm

ay g

lorif

y Th

ee, s

ince

Tho

u ha

st g

iven

Him

pow

er o

ver a

llfle

sh, t

o gi

ve e

tern

al li

fe to

all

who

m T

hou

hast

giv

en H

im.

And

this

is e

tern

al li

fe, t

hat t

hey

know

The

e th

e on

ly tr

ueG

od,

and

Jesu

s C

hris

t W

hom

Tho

u ha

st s

ent.

I gl

orifi

edTh

ee o

n ea

rth h

avin

g ac

com

plis

hed

the

wor

k w

hich

Tho

u

Rea

der

:Lo

rd, T

hou

hast

bee

n ou

r dw

ellin

g pl

ace

in a

ll ge

nera

tions

!

Peo

ple

:R

epea

ts th

e Pr

okei

men

on

Rea

der

:Le

t the

radi

ance

of t

he L

ord

our G

od b

e up

on u

s

Peo

ple

:Fi

nish

es th

e Pr

okei

men

on

Dea

con:

Wis

dom

!

Rea

der

:Th

e R

eadi

ng is

from

the

Epis

tle o

f the

Hol

y A

post

le P

aul t

oth

e Ep

hesi

ans.

Dea

con:

Let u

s Atte

nd!

Rea

der

:B

reth

ren,

I do

not

cea

se to

giv

e th

anks

for y

ou, r

emem

ber-

ing

you

in m

y pr

ayer

s, th

at t

he G

od o

f ou

r Lo

rd J

esus

Chr

ist,

the

Fath

er o

f glo

ry, m

ay g

ive

you

a sp

irit o

f wis

dom

and

of re

vela

tion

in th

e kn

owle

dge

of H

im, h

avin

g th

e ey

esof

you

r hea

rts e

nlig

hten

ed, t

hat y

ou m

ay k

now

wha

t is

the

hope

to w

hich

He

has c

alle

d yo

u, w

hat a

re th

e ric

hes o

f His

glor

ious

inhe

ritan

ce in

the

sain

ts, a

nd w

hat i

s th

e im

mea

s-ur

able

gre

atne

ss o

f His

pow

er in

us

who

bel

ieve

, acc

ordi

ngto

the

wor

king

of

His

gre

at m

ight

whi

ch H

e ha

s ac

com

-pl

ishe

d in

Chr

ist w

hen

He

rais

ed H

im f

rom

the

dead

and

10Peo

ple

:

Peo

ple

:

13

LIT

AN

YO

FF

ER

VE

NT

SU

PP

LIC

AT

ION

S

Dea

con:

Hav

e m

ercy

on

us, O

God

, acc

ordi

ng to

Thy

gre

at g

ood-

ness

, we

pray

The

e, h

eark

en a

nd h

ave

mer

cy.

Peo

ple

:Lo

rd, h

ave

mer

cy. (

3x)

Dea

con:

Aga

in w

e pr

ay fo

r His

Bea

titud

e, M

etro

polit

an _

____

____

,fo

r the

Hol

y Sy

nod

of B

isho

ps, f

or p

riest

s, de

acon

s, m

onas

-tic

s; a

nd fo

r all

our b

reth

ren

in C

hris

t.

Peo

ple

:Lo

rd, h

ave

mer

cy. (

3x)

Dea

con:

Aga

in w

e pr

ay fo

r the

Pre

side

nt o

f our

cou

ntry

, for

all

civi

lau

thor

ities

, and

for o

ur a

rmed

forc

es e

very

whe

re.

Peo

ple

:Lo

rd, h

ave

mer

cy. (

3x)

Dea

con:

Aga

in w

e pr

ay to

the

Lord

our

God

, tha

t He

will

look

with

mer

cy u

pon

the

mem

bers

of

this

Sac

red

Cou

ncil,

and

will

send

dow

n in

to th

eir

hear

ts, t

heir

min

ds, a

nd th

eir

lips

the

spiri

t of w

isdo

m, o

f und

erst

andi

ng, o

f god

lines

s an

d of

His

fear

; enl

ight

enin

g th

eir m

inds

with

the

light

of H

is g

raci

ous

unde

rsta

ndin

g, t

hat

they

may

be

ador

ned

with

all

good

wor

ks fo

r the

glo

ry o

f His

mos

t hol

y na

me;

for t

he b

enef

itof

His

Hol

y C

hurc

h; le

t us s

ay: O

Lord

, hea

rken

and

mer

ci-

fully

hav

e m

ercy

.

Peo

ple

:Lo

rd, h

ave

mer

cy. (

3x)

Hie

rarc

h:H

ear u

s, O

God

our

Sav

ior,

the

hope

of a

ll th

e en

ds o

f the

earth

, and

of t

hose

who

are

far o

ff up

on th

e se

a; a

nd s

how

mer

cy, s

how

mer

cy, O

Mas

ter,

upon

us s

inne

rs, a

nd b

e m

er-

cifu

l un

to u

s. Fo

r Th

ou a

rt a

mer

cifu

l G

od a

nd l

oves

tm

anki

nd, a

nd u

nto

Thee

do

we

ascr

ibe

glor

y, to

the

Fath

er,

and

to th

e So

n, a

nd to

the

Hol

y Sp

irit,

now

and

eve

r an

dun

to a

ges

of a

ges.

Peo

ple

:A

men

.

gave

st M

e to

do;

and

now

, Fat

her g

lorif

y Th

ou M

e in

Thi

neow

n pr

esce

nce

with

the

glor

y w

hich

I ha

d w

ith T

hee

befo

reth

e w

orld

was

mad

e. I

hav

e m

anife

sted

Thy

nam

e to

the

men

who

m T

hou

gave

st M

e ou

t of

the

wor

ld; T

hine

they

wer

e, a

nd T

hou

gave

st th

em to

Me,

and

they

hav

e ke

pt T

hyw

ord.

Now

they

kno

w th

at e

very

thin

g th

at T

hou

hast

giv

enM

e is

fro

m T

hee;

for

I h

ave

give

n th

em th

e w

ords

whi

chTh

ou g

aves

t Me,

and

they

hav

e re

ceiv

ed th

em a

nd k

now

intru

th t

hat

I ca

me

from

The

e; a

nd t

hey

have

bel

ieve

d th

atTh

ou d

idst

sen

d M

e. I

am p

rayi

ng fo

r the

m; I

am

not

pra

y-in

g fo

r the

wor

ld b

ut fo

r tho

se w

hom

Tho

u ga

vest

Me,

for

they

are

Thi

ne; a

ll M

ine

are

Thin

e, a

nd T

hine

are

Min

e, a

ndI a

m g

lorif

ied

in th

em. A

nd n

ow I

am n

o m

ore

in th

e w

orld

,bu

t the

y ar

e in

the

wor

ld, a

nd I

am

com

ing

to T

hee.

Hol

yFa

ther

, kee

p th

em in

Thy

nam

e, w

hich

Tho

u ha

st g

iven

Me,

that

they

may

be

one,

eve

n as

We

are

one.

Whi

le I

was

with

them

, I k

ept t

hem

in T

hy n

ame,

whi

ch T

hou

hast

giv

en M

e;I h

ave

guar

ded

them

, and

non

e of

them

is lo

st b

ut th

e so

n of

perd

ition

, tha

t the

scrip

ture

mig

ht b

e fu

lfille

d. B

ut n

ow I

am

com

ing

to T

hee;

and

thes

e th

ings

I sp

eak

in th

e w

orld

, tha

tth

ey m

ay h

ave

My

joy

fulfi

lled

in th

emse

lves

. I h

ave

give

nth

em T

hy w

ord;

and

the

wor

ld h

as h

ated

them

bec

ause

they

are

not o

f the

wor

ld, e

ven

as I

am n

ot o

f the

wor

ld. S

anct

ifyth

em in

the

truth

; Thy

wor

d is

trut

h. A

s Tho

u di

dst s

end

Me

into

the

wor

ld s

o I h

ave

sent

them

into

the

wor

ld. A

nd fo

rth

eir s

ake

I con

secr

ate

Mys

elf,

that

they

als

o m

ay b

e co

nse-

crat

ed i

n tru

th. I

do

not

pray

for

the

se o

nly,

but

als

o fo

rth

ose

who

bel

ieve

in M

e th

roug

h th

eir w

ord,

that

they

may

all b

e on

e; e

ven

as T

hou,

Fat

her,

art i

n M

e, a

nd I

in T

hee,

that

they

als

o m

ay b

e in

us,

so th

at th

e w

orld

may

bel

ieve

that

Tho

u ha

st s

ent m

e. T

he g

lory

whi

ch T

hou

hast

giv

enM

e Ih

ave

give

n to

them

, tha

t the

y m

ay b

e on

e ev

en a

s W

ear

e on

e.’

Peo

ple

:G

lory

to T

hee,

O L

ord,

glo

ry to

The

e.

12

TH

ED

ISM

ISS

AL

Dea

con:

Wis

dom

!

Hie

rarc

h:M

ost H

oly

Theo

toko

s, sa

ve u

s!

Peo

ple

:M

ore

hono

rabl

e th

an t

he C

heru

bim

, an

d m

ore

glor

ious

beyo

nd c

ompa

re th

an th

e Se

raph

im, w

ithou

t def

ilem

ent y

ouga

ve b

irth

to G

od th

e W

ord,

Tru

e Th

eoto

kos

we

mag

nify

You!

Hie

rarc

h:G

lory

to T

hee,

O C

hris

t our

God

and

our

sur

e ho

pe, g

lory

to T

hee!

Peo

ple

:G

lory

to th

e Fa

ther

and

to th

e So

n an

d to

the

Hol

y Sp

irit,

now

and

eve

r and

unt

o ag

es o

f age

s, A

men

!

Lord

, hav

e m

ercy

. (3x

)

Mos

t Ble

ssed

Mas

ter,

Ble

ss!

Hie

rarc

h:M

ay H

e W

ho s

ent t

he m

ost H

oly

Spiri

t fro

m h

eave

n up

onH

is h

oly

disc

iple

s and

apo

stle

s, in

the

form

of f

iery

tong

ues,

Chr

ist o

ur tr

ue G

od, t

hrou

gh th

e pr

ayer

s of

His

mos

t pur

eM

othe

r; of

the

holy

glo

rious

, and

all-

laud

able

apo

stle

s; o

fth

e ho

ly a

nd ri

ghte

ous a

nces

tors

of G

od, J

oach

im a

nd A

nna;

and

of a

ll th

e sa

ints

; hav

e m

ercy

on

us a

nd s

ave

us, f

or H

eis

goo

d an

d lo

vest

man

kind

.

Peo

ple

:A

men

. Eis

pol

la e

ti D

espo

ta!

Dea

con:

Aga

in a

nd a

gain

, fa

lling

dow

n on

our

kne

es b

efor

e ou

rLo

rd, l

et u

s pr

ay to

the

Lord

.

Peo

ple

:Lo

rd, h

ave

mer

cy. (

3x)

Hie

rarc

h:O

God

, our

God

! Th

ou h

ast a

dorn

ed u

s w

ith T

hine

imag

ean

d gi

ven

us a

fre

e w

ill. W

hen

Thou

did

st e

nter

int

o th

eTe

mpl

e in

the

mid

dle

of t

he f

east

, Om

ost

com

pass

iona

teM

aste

r, Th

ou d

idst

teac

h th

e pe

ople

who

wer

e am

azed

at

Thy

doct

rine,

for D

avid

say

s: C

ome

to m

e, c

hild

ren,

and

Iw

ill te

ach

you

the

fear

of t

he L

ord.

Thou

did

st a

lso

teac

h w

isdo

m to

Sol

omon

. Loo

k do

wn

even

now

, O

Mak

er a

nd C

reat

or,

upon

the

mem

bers

of

this

Sacr

ed C

ounc

il, a

nd g

rant

them

wis

dom

and

und

erst

andi

ngth

at th

ey m

ay le

arn

Thy

holy

will

; war

m th

eir h

earts

in lo

vefo

r The

e an

d fo

r the

ir ne

ighb

ors;

gui

de th

em o

n th

e w

ay o

ftru

th a

nd r

ight

eous

ness

, kee

ping

thei

r he

arts

fro

m a

ll ev

il;un

ite t

hem

in

one

min

d an

d in

one

hea

rt, a

nd l

et m

utua

lbr

othe

rly lo

ve a

bide

in th

eir m

idst

; ble

ss th

em fo

r the

doi

ngof

goo

d an

d us

eful

thin

gs. W

e pr

ay T

hee,

O m

ost m

erci

ful

Lord

our

God

, the

God

of

ever

y co

mpa

ssio

n an

d co

nsol

a-tio

n: D

o no

t tur

n aw

ay T

hy fa

ce fr

om th

em, n

or d

eny

them

thei

r lo

ngin

g, f

or th

ey h

ave

set t

heir

hope

on

Thee

. Gra

ntth

em p

eace

and

sere

nity

, a u

nity

of s

pirit

, con

cord

and

frui

t-fu

l ac

tion,

and

all

thos

e th

ings

nee

dful

for

the

ir te

mpo

ral

and

eter

nal l

ife. T

hou

know

est o

ur n

eeds

, and

dos

t gra

nt a

ndfu

lfill

our r

eque

sts

even

bef

ore

we

mak

e th

em.

For

Thou

art

the

God

pow

erfu

l in

mer

cy a

nd g

raci

ous

inst

reng

th, a

nd to

The

e ar

e du

e al

l glo

ry, h

onor

, and

wor

ship

:to

the

Fath

er, a

nd to

the

Son,

and

to th

e H

oly

Spiri

t, no

wan

d ev

er a

nd u

nto

ages

of a

ges.

Peo

ple

:A

men

.

1415

Dea

con:

Ble

ss, M

ost B

less

ed M

aste

r.

Hie

rarc

h:B

less

ed is

our

God

, alw

ays,

now

and

eve

r and

unt

o ag

es o

f age

s.

Rea

der

:A

men

. Glo

ry to

The

e, o

ur G

od, g

lory

to T

hee!

16

A S

ervi

ce o

f P

raye

r at

the

Clo

sing

of

a S

acre

d C

oun

cil

17

Peo

ple

:

19

GO

DIS

TH

EL

OR

D

Dea

con:

In th

e 4t

h To

ne: G

od is

the

Lord

and

has

reve

aled

Him

self

unto

us!

Ble

ssed

is H

e th

at c

omes

in th

e na

me

of th

e Lo

rd!

O g

ive

than

ks u

nto

the

Lord

for H

e is

goo

d: fo

r His

mer

cyen

dure

s fo

reve

r.

Dea

con:

All

natio

ns su

rrou

nded

me;

in th

e N

ame

of th

e Lo

rd I

with

-st

ood

them

!

Peo

ple

:R

epea

ts “

God

is th

e Lo

rd.”

Dea

con:

I sh

all n

ot d

ie, b

ut s

hall

live,

and

rec

ount

the

deed

s of

the

Lord

!

Peo

ple

:R

epea

ts “

God

is th

e Lo

rd.”

Dea

con:

The

ston

e w

hich

the

build

ers

reje

cted

has

bec

ome

the

head

of th

e co

rner

. Thi

s is

the

Lord

’s d

oing

; and

it is

mar

velo

usin

our

eye

s!

Peo

ple

:R

epea

ts “

God

is th

e Lo

rd.”

then

sin

gs th

e tro

pario

ns.

Rea

der

:H

oly

God

, Hol

y M

ight

y, H

oly

Imm

orta

l, ha

ve m

ercy

on

us!

(3x)

Glo

ry to

the

Fath

er, a

nd to

the

Son,

and

to th

e H

oly

Spiri

t,no

w a

nd e

ver a

nd u

nto

ages

of a

ges,

Am

en.

Mos

t Hol

y Tr

inity

, hav

e m

ercy

on

us! L

ord,

cle

anse

us f

rom

our s

ins!

Mas

ter,

pard

on o

ur tr

ansg

ress

ions

! Hol

y O

ne, v

isit

and

heal

our

infir

miti

es, f

or T

hy n

ame’

s sa

ke!

Lord

, hav

e m

ercy

. (3x

)

Glo

ry to

the

Fath

er, a

nd to

the

Son,

and

to th

e H

oly

Spiri

t,no

w a

nd e

ver a

nd u

nto

ages

of a

ges,

Am

en.

Our

Fat

her w

ho a

rt in

Hea

ven,

hal

low

ed b

e Th

y na

me.

Thy

Kin

gdom

com

e. T

hy w

ill b

e do

ne o

n ea

rth a

s it

is in

hea

v-en

. Giv

e us

this

day

our

dai

ly b

read

; and

forg

ive

us o

ur tr

es-

pass

es,

as w

e fo

rgiv

e th

ose

who

tre

spas

s ag

ains

t us

; an

dle

ad u

s no

t int

o te

mpt

atio

n, b

ut d

eliv

er u

s fr

om e

vil.

Hie

rarc

h:Fo

r Thi

ne is

the

Kin

gdom

, and

the

pow

er a

nd th

e gl

ory:

of

the

Fath

er, a

nd o

f the

Son

, and

of t

he H

oly

Spiri

t, no

w a

ndev

er a

nd u

nto

ages

of a

ges.

Rea

der

:A

men

.

18

Peo

ple

:

21

TR

OP

AR

ION

S

Glo

ry to

the

Fath

er, a

nd to

the

Son,

and

to th

e H

oly

Spir

it.

20

23

Now

and

eve

r, an

d un

to a

ges o

f age

s. A

men

.

22

25

mos

t bou

ntifu

l Kin

g; in

clin

e Th

ine

ear

to o

ur p

raye

r, an

dsp

eedi

ly s

how

mer

cy.

Peo

ple

:Lo

rd, h

ave

mer

cy. (

3x)

Dea

con:

O L

ord,

who

did

st a

ccom

pany

Luk

e an

d C

leop

as o

n th

ero

ad t

o Em

mau

s, a

nd d

idst

mak

e th

em t

o re

turn

to

Jeru

sale

m w

ith t

heir

hear

ts b

urni

ng w

ith t

he j

oy o

f Th

yR

esur

rect

ion;

send

Thy

gra

ce a

nd d

ivin

e bl

essi

ng to

acc

om-

pany

Thy

ser

vant

s, al

l the

par

ticip

ants

in th

is A

ll-A

mer

ican

Cou

ncil,

as

they

ret

urn

to t

heir

hom

es a

nd g

uide

the

m i

nev

ery

good

wor

k, to

the

glor

y of

Thy

Hol

y N

ame.

Pre

serv

eth

em in

hea

lth a

nd b

ring

them

saf

ely

to th

eir

dest

inat

ions

,w

e be

g Th

ee,

our

mer

cifu

l pr

otec

tor,

hear

us

and

have

mer

cy.

Peo

ple

:Lo

rd, h

ave

mer

cy. (

3x)

Hie

rarc

h:H

ear u

s, O

God

our

Sav

ior,

the

hope

of a

ll th

e en

ds o

f the

earth

, and

of t

hose

who

are

far o

ff up

on th

e se

a; a

nd s

how

mer

cy, s

how

mer

cy, O

Mas

ter,

upon

us s

inne

rs, a

nd b

e m

er-

cifu

l unt

o us

.

For T

hou

art a

mer

cifu

l God

and

love

st m

anki

nd, a

nd u

nto

Thee

do

we

ascr

ibe

glor

y, to

the

Fath

er, a

nd to

the

Son,

and

to th

e H

oly

Spiri

t, no

w a

nd e

ver a

nd u

nto

ages

of a

ges.

Peo

ple

:A

men

.

Dea

con:

Let u

s pr

ay to

the

Lord

.

Peo

ple

:Lo

rd, h

ave

mer

cy. (

3x)

Hie

rarc

h:O

Lor

d, J

esus

Chr

ist o

ur G

od, t

he G

od o

f al

l mer

cies

and

boun

ties,

Who

se m

ercy

can

not

be m

easu

red,

and

Who

selo

ve fo

r man

is a

n un

fath

omab

le d

eep;

with

fear

and

trem

-bl

ing,

we

fall

dow

n in

ado

ratio

n be

fore

Thy

maj

esty

,un

prof

itabl

e se

rvan

ts th

at w

e ar

e. W

e hu

mbl

y th

ank

Thee

for

the

bles

sing

s Th

ou h

ast g

iven

Thy

ser

vant

s w

ho h

ave

parti

cipa

ted

in th

is A

ll-A

mer

ican

Cou

ncil.

We

glor

ify T

hee,

we

prai

se T

hee,

we

sing

to T

hee,

our

Lor

d an

d M

aste

r and

LIT

AN

YO

FF

ER

VE

NT

SU

PP

LIC

AT

ION

S

Dea

con:

Hav

e m

ercy

on

us, O

God

, acc

ordi

ng to

Thy

gre

at g

ood-

ness

, we

pray

The

e, h

eark

en a

nd h

ave

mer

cy.

Peo

ple

:Lo

rd, h

ave

mer

cy. (

3x)

Dea

con:

Furth

erm

ore

we

pray

for

His

Bea

titud

e M

etro

polit

an__

____

____

_, f

or t

he H

oly

Syno

d of

Bis

hops

of

the

Orth

odox

Chu

rch

in A

mer

ica,

for p

riest

s, de

acon

s, an

d fo

ral

l our

bre

thre

n in

Chr

ist.

Peo

ple

:Lo

rd, h

ave

mer

cy. (

3x)

Dea

con:

We

Thin

e un

prof

itabl

e se

rvan

ts, g

ive

than

ks to

The

e w

ithfe

ar a

nd tr

embl

ing,

O L

ord,

our

Sav

ior a

nd M

aste

r, fo

r Tho

uha

st p

oure

d Th

y bl

essi

ngs

upon

us

abun

dant

ly.

We

fall

dow

n in

wor

ship

bef

ore

Thy

lovi

ng m

ercy

and

pra

ise

Thee

as o

ur G

od, f

erve

ntly

cry

ing

to T

hee:

Del

iver

Thy

ser

vant

sfr

om a

ll ca

lam

ities

, and

in T

hy m

ercy

, gra

nt a

ll ou

r req

uest

sw

hich

are

unt

o sa

lvat

ion,

we

beg

Thee

, O L

ord:

hea

r us a

ndha

ve m

ercy

.

Peo

ple

:Lo

rd, h

ave

mer

cy. (

3x)

Dea

con:

Thou

has

t mer

cifu

lly li

sten

ed to

the

pray

ers o

f Thy

serv

ants

,O

Lord

; Th

ou h

ast

show

n us

Thy

ten

der

com

pass

ion

and

love

for m

an. D

o no

t for

sake

us i

n th

e da

ys to

com

e, b

ut fu

l-fil

l all

the

good

des

ires

of T

hy fa

ithfu

l peo

ple.

Rev

eal T

hyric

h m

ercy

to u

s, di

sreg

ard

our s

ins,

and

atta

in g

lory

for T

hyna

me,

we

beg

Thee

, OLo

rd: h

ear u

s an

d ha

ve m

ercy

.

Peo

ple

:Lo

rd, h

ave

mer

cy. (

3x)

Dea

con:

May

our

than

ksgi

ving

be

as s

wee

t-sm

ellin

g in

cens

e be

fore

Thy

maj

esty

, m

ost

mer

cifu

l M

aste

r. In

Thy

lov

e fo

rm

anki

nd, a

lway

s se

nd d

own

Thy

rich

bles

sing

s up

on T

hyse

rvan

ts.

Del

iver

us

from

the

ass

aults

of

our

visi

ble

and

invi

sibl

e en

emie

s; p

rese

rve

Thy

Hol

y C

hurc

h; a

nd g

rant

all

Thy

peop

le h

ealth

, virt

ue, a

nd le

ngth

of d

ays,

we

beg

Thee

,

24

Def

ende

r; w

e fa

ll do

wn

befo

re T

hee

and

beg

Thy

boun

dles

s m

ercy

. A

s Th

ou h

ast

grac

ious

ly r

ecei

ved

Thy

serv

ants

’pr

ayer

s an

d gr

ante

d th

em, s

o al

so d

eliv

er T

hy C

hurc

h an

dpr

eser

ve u

s fr

om e

very

hos

tile

assa

ult.

Gra

nt u

s pe

ace

and

tranq

uilit

y, th

at T

hy fa

ithfu

l peo

ple

may

gro

w in

virt

ue a

ndlo

ve fo

r The

e, a

nd m

ay p

arta

ke o

f Thy

ben

efits

, and

so

we

will

alw

ays o

ffer t

hank

sgiv

ing

to T

hee,

toge

ther

with

Thi

neU

norig

inat

e Fa

ther

, an

d Th

y M

ost

Hol

y, a

nd G

ood

and

Life

-Giv

ing

Spiri

t, G

od g

lorif

ied

in T

hree

Per

sons

, and

will

joyf

ully

sin

g to

The

e: G

lory

to

Thee

, O G

od o

ur S

avio

r,un

to a

ges

of a

ges.

Peo

ple

:A

men

.

TH

ED

ISM

ISS

AL

Dea

con:

Wis

dom

!

Hie

rarc

h:M

ost H

oly

Theo

toko

s, sa

ve u

s!

Peo

ple

:M

ore

hono

rabl

e th

an t

he C

heru

bim

, an

d m

ore

glor

ious

beyo

nd c

ompa

re th

an th

e Se

raph

im,

with

out

defil

emen

tyo

u ga

ve b

irth

to G

od th

e W

ord,

Tru

e Th

eoto

kos w

e m

agni

-fy

You

!

Hie

rarc

h:G

lory

to T

hee,

O C

hris

t our

God

and

our

sur

e ho

pe, g

lory

to T

hee!

Peo

ple

:G

lory

to th

e Fa

ther

and

to th

e So

n an

d to

the

Hol

y Sp

irit,

now

and

eve

r and

unt

o ag

es o

f age

s, A

men

!

Lord

, hav

e m

ercy

. (3x

)M

ost B

less

ed, M

aste

r Ble

ss!

Hie

rarc

h:G

ives

the

dism

issa

l of t

he d

ay.

Peo

ple

:A

men

. Eis

pol

la e

ti D

espo

ta!

“Man

y Ye

ars”

is in

tone

d by

the

deac

on a

nd su

ng b

y th

e pe

ople

.

26

Submitted Resolutions

Resolution 1: Proposed Funding for the OCA

Proposed Resolution for OCA Funding 2016-2018 as

Recommended by the Holy Synod, March 19, 2015

Amended May 5, 2015

For the budget years 2016, 2017 and 2018, each territorial diocese of the Orthodox Church in

America shall remit its annual diocesan financial obligation for the work of the central

administration according to the following formula:

If your 2015 assessment at the $90 per capita is greater than 46% of your diocesan operating

budget, excluding restricted and designated funds (“Net Operating Budget”):

Your financial obligation in 2016 will be 46% of the 2016 “net operating budget”; in 2017 will

be 40% of the “net operating budget”; and in 2018 will be 34% of your “net operating

budget”. The “net operating budget” is intended to represent that which would previously

been the diocesan assessment plus the OCA assessment.

If your 2015 assessment at the $90 per capital is greater than 34% and equal to or less than

46% of your “net operating budget”,

Your financial obligation in 2016 will be the 2015 proportional rate; in 2017 will be the

midpoint between the 2016 rate and 34% of the “net operating budget”; and in 2018 will be

34% of the “net operating budget”.

If your 2015 assessment at the $90 per capita is less than or equal to 34% of your “net

operating budget”:

Your financial obligation will be 34% of your “net operating budgets” in 2016, 2017 and

2018.

For the budget years 2016, 2017 and 2018, each non-territorial diocese (Archdiocese of

Canada, Diocese of Alaska, Romanian Episcopate, Albanian Archdiocese, and Bulgarian

Diocese) shall remit its annual diocesan financial obligation at the rate of 10% of its “net

operating budget”.

Resolution 2: AAC Proposal on Spiritual

Abuse

Proposed by Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, State College, PA

and Jennifer McClure, Ph.D.

Endorsed by His Eminence Archbishop Melchisedek

Archbishop of Pittsburgh, Archdiocese of Western Pennsylvania

Definition: In the past decade, the OCA has taken considerable steps to address sexual and

financial misconduct among clergy; it has not, however, addressed spiritual abuse, which is more

subtle. Spiritual abuse entails using spiritual authority to: bring about undue emphasis and

dependence on clergy; foster legalism and rigidity; manipulate others into doing one’s bidding;

intimidate people in order to prevent them asking questions or raising challenging discussions “for

the good of the church;” distance oneself from healthy accountability/oversight; deny any

wrongdoing and frame oneself as the victim (Johnson and Van Vonderen 1991). Clergy can use

spiritual abuse (e.g., manipulation, intimidation, and distance from proper authorities) to create

conditions that allow them to engage in financial and sexual misconduct.

Call: Spiritual abuse is not confined to theologically aberrant groups, such as cults and fringe

religious movements. Because it is not based on the beliefs of a religious group, but on its systems,

structures, and methods (Esther 2014:9), it can also occur in theologically orthodox churches. If

we tell ourselves that such a thing could never happen in an Orthodox church, we cannot protect

people within our own churches from it. The OCA needs to address spiritual abuse so that: 1) our

parishes are healthy and safe; 2) clergy cannot use spiritually abusive tactics to create systems and

situations where financial and sexual misconduct can occur.

Rationale: Spiritual abuse is damaging, even though the resulting wounds and scars—which

include depression, anxiety, and PTSD—are often invisible. Many people who experience spiritual

abuse leave the church and cannot fathom trusting God again. Those who stay in the church often

experience difficulty during church services, due to intrusive memories, flashbacks, and panic

attacks (Tracy 2005). Church leaders need education and guidelines on how to identify spiritual

abuse, how to address it, how to prevent it, and how to minister to people who have been spiritually

abused by clergy.

Resolution: The 18th All-American Council of the Orthodox Church in America requests that:

a) the Holy Synod recognize that there are spiritual forms of misconduct, not just financial

and sexual;

b) the Holy Synod oversee Church-wide education on spiritual abuse by developing

guidelines on: 1) how to identify spiritual abuse; 2) how to address spiritual abuse; 3) how

to prevent spiritual abuse; 4) how to minister to people who have been spiritually abused

by their clergy. These guidelines should be developed, agreed upon and implemented

within the next triennium.

References:

Esther, Elizabeth. 2014. Girl at the End of the World: My Escape from Fundamentalism in Search

of Faith with a Future. New York: Convergent Books.

Johnson, David and Jeff Van Vonderen. 1991. The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse: Recognizing

and Escaping Spiritual Manipulation and False Spiritual Authority within the Church.

Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers.

Tracy, Steven R. 2005. Mending the Soul: Understanding and Healing Abuse. Grand Rapids, MI:

Zondervan.

Additional Addenda:

A longer description and discussion of spiritual abuse

Case studies of spiritual abuse

Addendum #1: A Note on Spiritual Abuse

Jennifer McClure, Ph.D.

Spiritual abuse is defined as “the mistreatment of a person who is in need of help, support or greater

spiritual empowerment, with the result of weakening, undermining, or decreasing that person’s

spiritual empowerment” (Johnson and Van Vonderen 1991:20). Spiritual abuse is often subtle;

there is not a clear red line, like there is with sexual or financial misconduct.

There are a number of occurrences that are signs of potential spiritual abuse:

Undue emphasis on the minister—Abusive religious leaders put themselves on a high

pedestal, where they cannot be questioned or held accountable.

Image preoccupation—Abusive religious leaders focus more on having a good image than

on facing unfortunate truths or seeking help for their troubles/struggles. Questioning

whether something is appropriate or going to outside spiritual or civil authorities is

tantamount to treason.

Legalism and rigidity—Abusive religious leaders will often emphasize minor theological

or moral teachings, while neglecting to focus on the main things that God calls us to do

(loving Him and others).

Manipulation and hypocrisy—Many abusive leaders heavily preach God’s love and grace,

but they do not demonstrate in shepherding people. They will convince people that

condemnation and punitive measures are truly God’s love and grace.

The ends justify the means—Abusive leaders will often focus on a goal (whether it is

related to a changing the culture of a congregation, a building project, theology, or another

thing) and pursue it regardless of the cost, even if it means harming people along the way.

Any harm to people is justified in the name of the greater goal or “for the good of the

church.”

Intimidation—Anyone who disagrees with or questions an abusive authority figure will be

intimidated into staying silent, not going to the authorities, and not raising questions. This

will be done in the name of not being divisive, critical, disrespectful, or unloving (i.e., those

who raise questions will be shamed spiritually).

Difficulty with authority figures—Abusive leaders will actively distance themselves from

the spiritual authorities over them. They can manipulate their authorities into thinking that

they do not need oversight or that proper oversight is too restrictive or burdensome to them.

They will also pretend to be in submission without actually obeying the authorities

(creating the image but not the reality). Many abusive leaders discredit and disparage

legitimate authority figures—even claiming that healthy oversight is “persecution.”

Denial/Lack of repentance—Because spiritual abuse can be very subtle, abusive leaders

will often deny their behavior or claim that it has been misconstrued.

Spiritual abuse is not confined to theologically aberrant groups, such as cults and fringe religious

movements. Because it is not based on the beliefs of a religious group, but on its systems,

structures, and methods (Esther 2014:9), it can also occur in theologically orthodox churches. If

we tell ourselves that such a thing could never happen in an Orthodox church, we cannot protect

people within our own churches from it.

Many people erroneously assume that only naïve or psychologically troubled people could be

trapped in such a situation. This is not the case. Victims of spiritual abuse are often people who

fervently love God and want to serve him. Spiritual abuse occurs through subtle shifts that many

people do not notice—what social psychologists call the foot-in-the-door phenomenon. Spiritual

abusers can “groom” people in the following ways:

Encouraging people to trust them before they demonstrate that they are trustworthy

(unquestioning trust)

Encouraging people to become close friends with their family and inner circle

Teaching people to rely on them for everything (learned helplessness)

Shaming people who disagree with them, question them, or don’t live up to their standards

Denying any accusations of wrongdoing, instead claiming that those who want to hold

them accountable are too critical, too controlling, slandering them, or destroying their

ministry. Many abusive leaders argue that they should not be criticized at all (“Touch not

the Lord’s anointed”).

Either under-relatedness (neglect) or over-relatedness (enmeshment)

Some people also assume that victims will leave once they realize that they are in an abusive

situation. Many abuse victims remain in abusive situations, however, due to a lack of support,

attachment to the abuser, and feelings of helplessness. Victims of spiritual abuse may continue to

support the abusive leader because of their naïveté or loyalty to the leader. Even if an abusive

religious leader has been removed from ministry and is no longer in contact with parishioners,

some victims may feel uncomfortable questioning what happened because they internalized the

abusive leader’s discouragement of healthy accountability.

Spiritual abuse is very damaging, even though the resulting wounds and scars are often invisible.

Victims of spiritual abuse often struggle with their sense of personhood, self-esteem, and trusting

anyone again—especially church people, ministers, and God. Many people who experience

spiritual abuse leave the church and cannot fathom trusting God again. Those who stay face a

difficult journey of learning to trust God and the church again. Victims can suffer from depression,

anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They can also experience difficulty during

church services, due to intrusive memories, flashbacks, and panic attacks (Tracy 2005).

This note relies extensively on:

Esther, Elizabeth. 2014. Girl at the End of the World: My Escape from Fundamentalism in Search

of Faith with a Future. New York: Convergent Books.

Johnson, David and Jeff Van Vonderen. 1991. The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse: Recognizing

and Escaping Spiritual Manipulation and False Spiritual Authority within the Church.

Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers.

Tracy, Steven R. 2005. Mending the Soul: Understanding and Healing Abuse. Grand Rapids, MI:

Zondervan.

Addendum #2: Case Studies on Spiritual Abuse

Jennifer M. McClure, Ph.D.

Many people are unfamiliar with the concept of spiritual abuse. In this addendum, I offer a number

of case studies in which spiritual abuse occurs. I also highlight what warning signs are apparent in

each case.

Case #1: Christy was a teenager in a youth group. The youth pastor developed a sexualized

relationship with her and told Christy that this relationship was special and blessed by God. After

some time and quite a bit of emotional turmoil, Christy told the senior pastor of the church about

the youth pastor’s actions. The senior pastor blamed Christy for what happened and told her never

again to repeat the accusations. The abuse continued for many more years (Tracy 2005:30-32).

There are two forms of spiritual abuse in this case study. First, the youth pastor used his spiritual

authority to manipulate Christy into a sexual relationship. Second, the senior pastor did not protect

Christy, but rather blamed her and did not properly investigate her accusations.

Case #2: Cathy was married to a well-known lay leader at a large church. She had very little free

time or personal money to spend for fun. This is because she had made a $50 purchase without her

husband’s permission. Her husband disciplined her with “God’s loving punishment”—making her

working in her spare time (babysitting, etc.) in order to earn money to buy groceries and other

household items (Tracy 2005:33-34).

There are multiple signs of spiritual abuse in this case: 1) unhealthy levels of control; 2) rigidity

and legalism; 3) manipulating Cathy into thinking that the punishment was really Godly and

loving.

Case #3: Bethany led a women’s Bible study at a local church. She was impatient with women

who struggled, seeing the struggle as a lack of faith. Bethany had an answer for every question and

a fix for every struggle people faced. She would not let others question her, saying that God had

called her to his ministry and that they should not challenge God’s decisions (Van Vonderen, Ryan,

and Ryan 2008:19-20).

Bethany shows many signs of being a spiritual abuser: 1) shaming people who did not agree with

her or live up to her standards; 2) being rigid in the answers and fixes she gave to people; 3) using

spiritual authority to intimidate others who questioned or challenged her.

Case #4: Jeff grew up in a church where people would be judged and told they were going to hell

for very minor infractions. Christ was used as a threat to get people to behave. This environment

affected him in a number of ways. He became very judgmental of others, and he focused more on

appearing spiritually superior than on growing closer to God. Instead of loving God, Jeff was afraid

of Him (Van Vonderen, Ryan, and Ryan 2008:21-22).

The following sings indicate that Jeff was a victim of spiritual abuse: 1) rigidity and legalism; 2)

shaming; 3) focus on spiritual appearances; 4) intimidation.

Case #5: Josh* was the leading pastor of a large church. He regularly made vulgar and

misogynistic comments about women from the pulpit. He used his authority to coerce and

intimidate other ministers into supporting his agenda and vision. He would not allow people who

opposed or challenge him to rise in church leadership, creating a circle of “yes men” in which he

had no accountability. Josh also used tithe money to buy hundreds of copies of his new book, so

that it would make the New York Times bestseller list. Although Josh did resign under pressure,

his resignation letter does not acknowledge any misconduct.

Josh engaged in spiritual abuse in a number of ways. He manipulated other ministers into

supporting his agenda. He intimidated those who questioned or challenged him and distanced

himself from proper accountability. He also used his spiritual authority to misuse church funds.

Finally, he denied wrongdoing and did not show evidence of repentance.

*This is a case that has come to light in the past year. I have changed the name of the minister but

preserved details of his misconduct.

References:

Tracy, Steven R. 2005. Mending the Soul: Understanding and Healing Abuse. Grand Rapids, MI:

Zondervan.

Van Vonderen, Jeff, Dale Ryan, and Juanita Ryan. 2008. Soul Repair: Rebuilding Your Spiritual

Life. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Books.

1

THE STATUTE OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH IN AMERICA

FINAL DRAFT

May 4, 2015

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PREAMBLE

+ IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. AMEN.

The Orthodox Church in America, as a local autocephalous Orthodox Church, belongs to the

worldwide communion of Orthodox Churches. It unites in its fold Orthodox Christians of

various national backgrounds and traditions. It grew from the Alaskan mission established in

1794 by the Church of Russia. Expanding across the United States and Canada, it became a

Diocese of that Church. In 1924 this Diocese was reorganized as an autonomous

Metropolitanate under the title “the Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church of North

America.” On April 10, 1970, the Patriarch and the Holy Synod of the Church of Russia granted

autocephaly to the Metropolitanate. The Metropolitanate accepted and affirmed its new

status and reorganized under the title “The Orthodox Church in America” at sessions of the

All-American Council held in October, 1970, at Saint Tikhon’s Monastery in South Canaan,

Pennsylvania.

The Orthodox Church in America is governed by Holy Tradition, that is, the whole body of

teaching and practice of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. That Tradition is

expressed first of all in Holy Scripture; in the dogmatic decisions and canons of the seven

Ecumenical Councils, the canons of the local councils, the canons and writings of the Holy

Fathers; in the liturgical life of the Church; and in this Statute of The Orthodox Church in

America (hereafter, “the Statute”). The purpose of the Statute is to apply Holy Tradition to the

organization and daily life of The Orthodox Church in America.

The Orthodox Church in general and The Orthodox Church in America in particular are

hierarchical in structure.

The Statute consists of this Preamble and the Eighteen (18) Articles that follow.

ARTICLE I – THE ORTHODOX CHURCH IN AMERICA

The Orthodox Church in America is an autocephalous Church with territorial jurisdiction in

the United States of America and in Canada. The Orthodox Church in America also exercises

jurisdiction over its Diocese within the United Mexican States.

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The Statute of The Orthodox Church in America conforms to Holy Scripture, Holy Tradition,

the Sacred Canons of the Ecumenical and Local Councils, those of the Holy Fathers, and the

canonical tradition of the Orthodox Church.

In the Statute, The Orthodox Church in America is referred to as “the Church” unless

otherwise noted.

ARTICLE II – THE HOLY SYNOD

Section 1: Definition

The Holy Synod is the supreme canonical authority in the Church. The full Holy Synod

consists of all the Diocesan Bishops of the Church under the ex officio presidency of the

Primate (hereafter, “the Metropolitan”). The Metropolitan shall preside at all regular and

special sessions of the Holy Synod.

Section 2: Regular Sessions

The Metropolitan shall convene regular sessions of the Holy Synod twice annually, in the

autumn and in the spring.

Section 3: Special Sessions

Special sessions may be called by the Metropolitan on his own initiative or at the written

request of at least three Diocesan Bishops.

Section 4: Quorum

The quorum required for a regular or special session of the Holy Synod is two-thirds of its

membership.

Section 5: Competence

The following matters are included within the jurisdiction and competence of the Holy Synod:

a. All matters involving doctrine, canonical order, morals, and liturgical practice;

b. All canonical matters pertaining to the declaration of a vacancy in the Office of a

Diocesan Bishop, and to the election and ordination of a bishop as provided by

Article VIII, Sections 5-7;

c. The transfer of a bishop;

d. The acceptance of a bishop from another Orthodox Church or the release of a

bishop to another Orthodox Church;

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e. The reconciliation of a schismatic bishop;

f. The grant of any leave of absence to a bishop;

g. The bestowal of honors upon bishops and of Synodal Awards upon priests,

deacons, and laity;

h. The procedures and normative standards for retirement of the Metropolitan,

Diocesan Bishops, and Auxiliary Bishops;

i. Canonical matters pertaining to the discipline of a bishop;

j. Initial consideration of any complaint or accusation involving a bishop;

k. Acting as Court of first instance in all cases involving an accusation against a

bishop in accordance with Article XV, Section 8, and as regular Court of final

instance in matters involving bishops, clergy, and laity in accordance with Article

XV, Sections 7-8;

l. Deposition of clergy;

m. Establishment of new Dioceses, the definition of Diocesan boundaries, and the

acceptance of Dioceses into the jurisdiction of The Orthodox Church in America;

n. Upon referral of the Metropolitan, resolution of problems arising within a

Diocese that require the judgment of the Holy Synod;

o. Examination of annual reports from the Metropolitan and the bishops on the

fulfillment of their pastoral duties;

p. Examination of regular reports from the Church Officers, Stavropegial

Institutions, departments, commissions, committees, offices, and boards of the

Church;

q. Establishment of standards for ordination;

r. Establishment of general policies regarding relations with other Orthodox

Churches, non-Orthodox religious bodies, civil authorities, and secular entities;

s. General oversight and guidance of:

i. Stavropegial Institutions;

ii. Monasteries and monastic life;

iii. Theological schools and programs of theological education;

iv. Military and institutional chaplaincies;

v. Organizations of the Church;

vi. Missionary, educational, and social programs of the Church; and

vii. Ecclesiastical arts, such as iconography, liturgical music, architecture,

and other applied arts;

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t. Appointment and supervision of departments, commissions, committees, offices,

and boards of the Church;

u. Confirmation of the Metropolitan’s nomination of the Chancellor, Secretary,

Treasurer, and other officers of the Church whose competence or service extend

beyond the boundaries of a single Diocese;

v. Determination in consultation with the Metropolitan Council of the dates,

location, and theme of the All-American Council;

w. Appointment of a Preconciliar Commission upon nomination by the

Metropolitan Council;

x. Confirmation of agenda and rules of procedure for the All-American Council;

y. Approval or rejection of legislation, resolutions, and initiatives of the All-

American Council as provided for in Article III, Section 1:5;

z. The glorification of saints of the local autocephalous Church; and

aa. Establishment of rules and procedures as appropriate for the conduct of the

operation of the Holy Synod.

The Holy Synod has authority necessary and proper to conduct matters within its

competence.

Section 6: Standing Synod

The Holy Synod shall establish a Standing Synod which the Metropolitan convenes between

sessions of the Holy Synod and over which he presides. It is composed of the Metropolitan

and the Secretary of the Holy Synod, ex officio, and at least two additional Diocesan Bishops.

The Holy Synod shall delegate authority to the Standing Synod to make necessary decisions

on specific matters that do not require the judgment of the full Holy Synod. The Holy Synod

may also delegate authority to the Standing Synod to make provisional decisions on other

matters subject to subsequent ratification by the Holy Synod. The Standing Synod may

formulate proposals for consideration by the Holy Synod. All measures adopted by the

Standing Synod shall be reported in writing by the Secretary of the Holy Synod to the

members of the Holy Synod within thirty days, but in no event later than the next session of

the Holy Synod.

Section 7: Extraordinary Sessions

In the absence of the Metropolitan, the Holy Synod may meet in Extraordinary Session in the

following circumstances:

6

a. If the absence of the Metropolitan arises from death, retirement or resignation

accepted by the Holy Synod, deposition by canonical process, or medical

incapacity accepted by the Holy Synod, the member of the Holy Synod senior by

rank and date of episcopal ordination shall convene the Holy Synod, which shall

proceed in accordance with the provisions of Article IV, Sections 3-4.

b. If the Metropolitan is impeded from attending a Regular or Special Session of the

Holy Synod because of temporary circumstances, such as a medical emergency or

travel difficulties, and if he is able to communicate, he may authorize the Holy

Synod to proceed in Extraordinary Session, under the presidency of a member of

the Holy Synod whom he shall designate. In such circumstances, the

Extraordinary Session of the Holy Synod has the authority to make necessary

provisional decisions on matters that do not require the judgment of the full Holy

Synod, subject to subsequent approval by the Metropolitan.

c. If the Metropolitan is impeded from attending a Regular or Special Session of the

Holy Synod because of grave circumstances that make it impossible for him to

communicate, such as unconsciousness following a medical emergency, the Holy

Synod shall meet in Extraordinary Session, under the presidency of the member

of the Holy Synod senior by rank and date of episcopal ordination. In such

circumstances, the Extraordinary Session of the Holy Synod has the authority to

make necessary provisional decisions on matters that do not require the

judgment of the full Holy Synod, subject to subsequent approval by the

Metropolitan if he is able to consider them.

d. If the Metropolitan is unable to fulfill his primatial and episcopal responsibilities,

whether because of illness, injury, infirmity, or disabling condition, or because of

some other grave circumstance, and if the prognosis for his recovery,

recuperation, or return to active service is uncertain in outcome or

indeterminate in duration, rather than declare the office of Metropolitan vacant,

the Holy Synod meeting in Extraordinary Session may appoint a Temporary

Administrator from among the bishops of the Church to assume the affected

responsibilities. During a Temporary Administration there shall be no

innovations in matters affecting the basic structures and administration of the

Church. During a Temporary Administration the Holy Synod shall continue to

monitor the condition and circumstances of the Metropolitan, so that

appropriate measures may be taken to assure his personal well-being as well as

the good estate of the Church. The Holy Synod may terminate a Temporary

7

Administration either by dissolving the Temporary Administration if the

Metropolitan is able to return to active service, or by declaring the Office of the

Metropolitan vacant in accordance with paragraph a of this section and Article

IV, Sections 3-4.

ARTICLE III – THE ALL-AMERICAN COUNCIL

Section 1: Definition

The All-American Council is the highest legislative and administrative authority within the

Church. The Council brings together the various elements of the Church to bear witness to her

identity, unity, and mission.

Section 2: Composition

Members of the All-American Council are delegates, observers, and guests. Delegates are:

a. The Metropolitan and the other members of the Holy Synod;

b. Auxiliary bishops;

c. The Parish Priest and Associates Priests, if any, of each Parish and an equal

number of lay delegates from that Parish;

d. Military chaplains;

e. One Assigned Deacon per Parish;

f. One lay delegate from each Parish not having an assigned priest;

g. The members and alternates of the Metropolitan Council;

h. The members of the Auditing Committee of the Church;

i. One priest or deacon and one layperson, from each theological institution;

j. The superiors of monasteries, if accredited by their Bishop; and

k. Members of the Preconciliar Commission.

Observers may be admitted to the Council following the registration procedures established

by the Preconciliar Commission, without voice or the right to vote. An attached or retired

priest or deacon, if accredited by his bishop, may be seated with delegates to the All-American

Council, with voice but without the right to vote.

Additional persons may be invited by the Preconciliar Commission with the approval of the

Metropolitan to attend one or more sessions of the All-American Council as guests, and, if

requested, to address the Council, but without the right to vote.

8

Section 3: Periodicity

The All-American Council shall be convened periodically, normally at intervals of three years.

In extraordinary circumstances, such as the unexpected vacancy in the office of the

Metropolitan, for which provisions are made in Article IV, Section 3, an extraordinary All-

American Council shall be summoned. The place and precise time of the next meeting of the

All-American Council shall be determined by action of the Metropolitan Council with the

approval of the Holy Synod.

Section 4: Competence

The following matters are within the competence of the All-American Council. The All-

American Council shall:

a. Adopt and amend the Statute;

b. Nominate candidates for the Office of Metropolitan as outlined in the Statute (cf.

Article IV, Section 4);

c. Approve and implement Church-wide initiatives with regard to the missionary,

educational, financial, and philanthropic activities of the Church;

d. Provide for financial support of the Church;

e. Consider and act upon resolutions properly brought before the All-American

Council;

f. Receive reports from the Metropolitan, Church Officers, Stavropegial

Institutions, departments, commissions, committees, offices, and boards of the

Church;

g. Elect six (6) at-large members of the Metropolitan Council and two alternates;

and

h. Elect members of the Pension Board and alternates.

Section 5: The Preconciliar Commission

The Holy Synod shall appoint a Preconciliar Commission, nominated by the Metropolitan

Council. The Preconciliar Commission shall:

a. Recommend to the Metropolitan Council and Holy Synod, for their approval and

confirmation, the dates, location, and theme of the All-American Council;

b. Establish such committees as may be necessary for the proper operation of the

All-American Council, such as a local functioning committee, a resolutions

committee, a credentials committee, and a translations committee;

9

c. Propose an agenda and rules of procedure for the All-American Council and

submit them to the Metropolitan Council for approval and confirmation by the

Holy Synod, it being understood that the agenda may be changed by vote of the

All-American Council;

d. Establish and oversee procedures for registration and certification of members at

the All-American Council;

e. Establish All-American Council assessments and fees;

f. Publish the agenda, notices, and arrangements for the All-American Council at

least sixty (60) days prior to the date set for the convening of the All-American

Council;

g. Ensure that proposed amendments to the Statute, together with

recommendations of the Commission on Canons and Statute, are published at

least sixty (60) days prior to the date set for the convening of the All-American

Council;

h. Notify members of their certification at least thirty (30) days prior to the date set

for the convening of the All-American Council; and

i. Assure that all reports to the All-American Council are in written form and that

they are published at least thirty (30) days prior to the date set for the convening

of the council.

Section 6: Requirements for Parish Representation at the All-American Council

Each Parish which has fulfilled its financial obligations to the Church as established by the All-

American Council and by its Diocese is entitled to representation at the All-American

Council.

Section 7: Qualification, Election, and Accreditation of Lay Delegates

a. Each Parish shall elect at a Parish Assembly lay delegates equal to the number of

priests as defined in Article III, Section 2.c, and a single alternate. In order to be validly elected

and accredited, the lay delegates and alternate to the All-American Council from Parishes

must be Voting Members of the Parish as defined in Article XII, Section 5.d of the Statute.

b. The Parish Priest shall attest to the qualification and election of the delegates and

alternate in the manner determined by the Preconciliar Commission. In case the office of the

Parish Priest is vacant or the Parish Priest is incapacitated or otherwise prevented from

making such an attestation, this responsibility shall be assumed by the District Dean or

Diocesan Bishop.

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c. Provisions for the qualification and accreditation of lay delegates from Stavropegial

Institutions and other Church-recognized institutions shall be substantially similar to those in

Article XII, Section 5, as determined by the institution in consultation with the bishop with

canonical oversight. They shall be appropriately accredited by the abbot, rector or superior of

the Stavropegial Institution they represent.

Section 8: Divine Services

The order of liturgical services at the All-American Council shall be determined in advance by

the Holy Synod.

Section 9: Language

The official texts and communications of the All-American Council shall be published in the

English language. Proceedings and texts shall be translated to and from English as necessary.

Section 10 Presiding Officers

a. The presiding officer of the All-American Council shall be the Metropolitan. If the

Metropolitan is unable to attend a session of the All-American Council because of temporary

circumstances, he may delegate a member of the Holy Synod to preside in his absence. If the

Metropolitan is unable to preside for grave circumstances (Article II, Section 7c-d) and unable

to appoint a presiding officer, the member of the Holy Synod senior by rank and date of

episcopal ordination shall preside. In the case of a vacancy in the Office of Metropolitan, the

Locum Tenens shall preside, in accordance with the provisions of Article IV, Section 3 of the

Statute.

b. The All-American Council shall elect two delegates, one priest or deacon and one

layperson to serve as vice-chairpersons.

Section 11: Secretariat

The Council shall elect a Secretariat sufficient for its needs. It shall also elect the chairperson

of the Secretariat.

Section 12: Minutes

The official minutes of each session of the All-American Council shall be prepared by the

Secretariat, signed by its chairperson, and submitted to the presiding officer of the Council for

review and approval by the Holy Synod. This review shall take place within twenty-four (24)

hours of the adjournment of the session. Upon approval by the Holy Synod, the minutes shall

be distributed to the Council at its next session. Any disagreements or disputes relating to the

11

minutes of that session shall be raised at that time. If the final session of the Council has

adjourned, disagreements or disputes concerning that session’s minutes shall be referred to

the newly-elected Metropolitan Council for consideration at its first meeting. Within a period

of not more than sixty (60) days after the conclusion of the All-American Council, the official

text of the minutes shall be transmitted to each member of the Council.

Section 13: Quorum

A majority of the delegates to the All-American Council who have been accredited and

registered shall constitute a quorum.

Section 14: Procedures and Voting

As its first order of business, the Council shall adopt rules of procedure for the conduct of its

business as proposed by the Preconciliar Commission and approved by the Metropolitan

Council and confirmed by the Holy Synod.

Resolutions and decisions made in plenary sessions of the All-American Council shall require

a majority vote, except for the election of the Metropolitan, which is governed by special

provisions (cf. Article IV, Section 4), and amendments to the Statute (cf. Article XVII, Section

4).

Section 15: Approval by the Holy Synod

Every resolution or decision made in a plenary session of the All-American Council shall be

reviewed by the Holy Synod within twenty-four (24) hours of the adjournment of that session.

The Holy Synod’s approval or rejection of a resolution or decision shall be reported to the

presiding officer of the All-American Council and transmitted to the All-American Council at

the beginning of the following session. In case the Holy Synod does not accept a resolution or

decision adopted by a plenary session of the All-American Council, it shall explain its reasons

for not accepting the resolution or decision. At the final session of the All-American Council, a

recess shall be taken for an appropriate period prior to final adjournment to allow the Holy

Synod to have an opportunity to act on any resolutions or decisions made at that session.

Section 16: Pension Board

a. Definition

The Pension Board is an autonomous executive body, established by the All-

American Council, that supervises administration of The Orthodox Church in

America Pension Plan, which is a retirement plan established and mandated by

the Church for all eligible clergy and lay employees. The assets of the Pension

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Plan constitute property held in trust for beneficiaries of the Pension Plan and

are not assets of The Orthodox Church in America.

b. Composition

i. The Board consists of seven (7) members. The Holy Synod appoints one

bishop to membership on the Pension Board; the All-American Council

elects the remaining members.

ii. The Pension Board appoints one or more trustees from its membership.

c. Terms of Office

The bishop appointed to the Pension Board shall serve at the pleasure of the Holy

Synod. The other members of the Pension Board are priests or deacons and

laypersons in equal number, with relevant professional experience, elected as

follows:

i. At each All-American Council, if there are vacancies on the membership

of the Pension Board to be filled by election by the All-American

Council, the priest or deacon and the layperson who receive the highest

number of votes are elected for a term from one All-American Council

through the next two All-American Councils excluding any

extraordinary All-American Council.

ii. The priest or deacon and the layperson who receive the next highest

number of votes are elected for a term from one All-American Council

through the next All-American Council excluding any extraordinary All-

American Council.

iii. The All-American Council also elects two alternates, one priest or

deacon and one layperson. The priest or deacon and the layperson who

receive the next highest number of votes are elected as alternates for a

term from one All-American Council through the next All-American

Council excluding any extraordinary All-American Council.

iv. An alternate shall fill a permanent vacancy on the Pension Board,

complete the balance of the vacated term of the person whom he or she

replaces, and assume all member duties and privileges relating to re-

election.

Members of the Pension Board may continue to be eligible for re-election by the

All-American Council.

d. Periodicity

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The Pension Board shall meet quarterly, or as often as is necessary to accomplish

effective, professional, and prudent administration.

e. Competence

The following matters are within the competence of the Pension Board. The

Pension Board shall:

i. Submit the Pension Plan and any proposed amendments to the Pension

Plan to the Metropolitan Council for adoption;

ii. Uphold the provisions of the Pension Plan as defined by the Plan

Document and comply with United States Internal Revenue Service

regulations and any other applicable regulations that qualify it for

favorable tax exempt status as a qualified pension plan;

iii. Consult on a regular basis with professional investment, legal, actuarial,

accounting and auditing providers, as it deems appropriate in order to

evaluate plan provisions and capabilities, while securing the stability,

financial security and viability of the Pension Plan, with a goal of

providing optimum benefits for plan participants; and

iv. Report to the All-American Council on the activities and status of the

plan and each year to the Metropolitan Council.

ARTICLE IV – THE METROPOLITAN

Section 1: The Metropolitan

The Metropolitan enjoys primacy of honor among the bishops of The Orthodox Church in

America. As Primate, he shows concern for the internal and external welfare of the entire

Church. He is the president of the Holy Synod. He is the ruling archbishop of the Archdiocese

of Washington and bears the title "Metropolitan of All America and Canada." The

Metropolitan is commemorated by all bishops during liturgical services.

Section 2: Competence

The following matters are included within the competence of the Metropolitan. The

Metropolitan shall:

a. Uphold the unity of the bishops of the Church;

b. Convene and preside over all regular and special sessions of the Holy Synod and

all sessions of the Standing Synod;

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c. Supervise implementation of decisions of the Holy Synod;

d. Appoint a Locum Tenens in the event of a vacancy in the office of a Diocesan

Bishop;

e. Initiate action to fill a vacancy in the office of Diocesan Bishop, confirm the

election by the Holy Synod, and preside, or delegate another bishop to preside, at

the enthronement;

f. Preside, or delegate another bishop to preside, at the ordination of all bishops;

g. Confirm the election by the Holy Synod of an auxiliary bishop;

h. Give fraternal counsel to a brother bishop as necessary regarding his personal life

or the exercise of his archpastoral ministry, and if the bishop disregards this

counsel, the Metropolitan may submit the matter to the Holy Synod;

i. Receive and, in consultation with the other members of the Holy Synod, act upon

petitions of priests and deacons from other Orthodox Churches seeking

acceptance into the ranks of the clergy of The Orthodox Church in America;

j. Receive and, in consultation with the other members of the Holy Synod, act upon

petitions of non-Orthodox clergy seeking reception into the ranks of the clergy of

The Orthodox Church in America;

k. Represent the Church in its relations with other Orthodox Churches, other

religious bodies and organizations, and secular authorities;

l. Commemorate the Primates of other autocephalous Churches in liturgical

services;

m. Consecrate and distribute Holy Chrism to the Diocesan Bishops;

n. Provide Diocesan Bishops with Holy Relics necessary for the consecration of

Church altars and Holy Antimensia;

o. Maintain in conjunction with the Holy Synod and appropriate Officers of the

Church the patrimony of the Office of the Metropolitan;

p. Convene and preside over the All-American Council, report to it on the life of the

Church, and promulgate its decisions;

q. Convene and preside over meetings of the Metropolitan Council;

r. Serve as president of the Church as a civil corporation;

s. Nominate the Chancellor, Secretary, Treasurer, and any other officers of the

Church for endorsement by the Metropolitan Council and subsequent

confirmation by the Holy Synod;

t. Supervise Church Officers and receive regular reports from them;

u. Supervise and have pastoral care of Stavropegial Institutions;

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v. Supervise the ministry of military and institutional chaplaincies and act as the

Church's ecclesiastical endorser of chaplains;

w. Issue pastoral letters addressed to bishops, clergy, monastics, and laity of the

Church; and

x. Exercise pastoral care with the right of initiative and pastoral intervention in all

matters concerning the life of the Church within the framework of the Sacred

Canons.

The Metropolitan possesses the authority necessary to exercise his primatial ministry within

the Church in conformity with the Holy Canons.

Section 3: Vacancy in Office

In the event of the Metropolitan’s death, retirement or resignation accepted by the Holy

Synod, medical incapacity, or deposition by canonical process, the member of the Holy Synod

senior by rank and date of episcopal ordination shall convene the Holy Synod in extraordinary

session to declare the office of the Metropolitan vacant and proceed with the selection of a

Locum Tenens. Within a period of three months, unless some unavoidable necessity forces a

prolongment of this period, but not to exceed six months, the Locum Tenens shall convene an

extraordinary All-American Council at which a new Metropolitan shall be elected. During a

vacancy there shall be no innovations in matters affecting the basic structures and

administration of the Church. The Chancellor shall safeguard the particular patrimony of the

Office of the Metropolitan until a new Metropolitan is elected.

Section 4: Election

A nominee for the Office of Metropolitan must have at least three years of episcopal ministry

in The Orthodox Church in America.

The election shall take place according to the following order:

a. The All-American Council, without previous discussion of names, proposes

nominees by secret ballot. An official paper ballot shall be distributed to each

delegate of the Council present at that session.

b. On the first vote, a single name shall be written on each ballot. If a name of a

person is written on a number of ballots equal to or in excess of at least two-

thirds of the total number of Voting Members in attendance at that session of the

Council, this nominee shall be presented to the Holy Synod for canonical

election. If the Holy Synod does not elect the nominee, a member of the Holy

Synod shall formally state the reason for which the nominee was not elected.

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c. If no canonical election results from the first vote, a second vote shall be taken by

the All-American Council. An official paper ballot shall be distributed to each

delegate of the Council present at that session.

d. On the second vote, two names shall be written on each ballot. The tellers shall

not count any ballot on which fewer or more than two names are written. The

names of the two nominees who receive the highest number of ballots on the

second vote shall be submitted to the Holy Synod for canonical election of one of

these nominees.

e. With his acceptance of the canonical election by the Holy Synod, the new

Metropolitan has full authority and prerogatives as Archbishop of Washington

and Metropolitan of All America and Canada, and he is immediately invested

with the insignia of his Office.

ARTICLE V – THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL

Section 1: Definition

The Metropolitan Council is the permanent executive body of the Church administration

which exists for the purpose of implementing the decisions of the All-American Council and

continues the work of the Council between its sessions. The Metropolitan serves as the

chairman of the Council.

Section 2: Composition

The Metropolitan Council shall consist of:

a. The Metropolitan;

b. The Chancellor, the Secretary, and the Treasurer of The Orthodox Church in

America, ex officio;

c. Two representatives from each Diocese, one priest or deacon and one layperson,

elected by the Diocesan Assembly unless otherwise provided for by Diocesan

Bylaws; and

d. Six (6) members elected at-large by the All-American Council, three priests or

deacons and three laypersons.

An alternate elected at the All-American Council becomes a member of the Metropolitan

Council only when a permanent vacancy in an at-large membership occurs.

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Section 3: Terms of Office

a. Ex officio members of the Metropolitan Council serve for the duration of their

term in office.

b. Diocesan Representatives to the Metropolitan Council are elected for a term of

three (3) years.

c. At-large members of the Metropolitan Council and alternates are elected for a

term from one All-American Council through the next, excluding any

extraordinary All-American Council.

d. Elected members of the Metropolitan Council, whether Diocesan or at-large, may

serve no more than two successive terms.

Section 4: Periodicity

The Metropolitan Council shall meet at least twice each year, once in the fall quarter and once

in the spring quarter of each year.

Section 5: Vacancies in Office

a. Unless provided for by Diocesan Bylaws, permanent vacancies occurring among

Diocesan Representatives are filled by the next Diocesan Assembly, with

permanent vacancies occurring in the interim being filled by appointment of the

Diocesan Council.

b. In those cases in which a Diocesan Representative is temporarily unable to

attend meetings of the Metropolitan Council, the Diocesan Authority may

designate a substitute to attend as a guest of the Metropolitan Council, with right

of voice but not the right to vote.

c. Permanent vacancies occurring among at-large members are filled by alternates

who have been elected by the All-American Council, one priest or deacon and

one layperson.

Section 6: Quorum and Voting

A majority of the members of the Metropolitan Council will constitute a quorum. All

decisions of the Metropolitan Council are made by a majority vote of those present; in case of

a tie, the deciding vote shall be cast by the Chairperson. The decisions of the Metropolitan

Council shall become effective upon approval by the Metropolitan or the Holy Synod,

depending on the nature of the decision.

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Guests may be invited to attend sessions of the Metropolitan Council by any member, with

the approval of the Metropolitan. Guests shall have no right to vote but may address the

Council if requested.

Section 7: Competence

The following matters are within the competence of the Metropolitan Council. The

Metropolitan Council shall:

a. Implement the decisions of the All-American Council and continue the work of

the All-American Council between sessions in the areas of its competence;

b. Assist the Metropolitan and the Holy Synod in implementing decisions within its

competence;

c. Establish and implement the annual budget for the operations of the Church;

d. Supervise and review the audit of all financial reports and records of the Church

and see to their prompt and transparent publication;

e. Supervise the collection of revenues as authorized by the All-American Council;

f. Develop and implement programs of planned giving for support of the Church,

including gifts, grants, bequests, and other contributions;

g. Oversee the management of Church properties and investments;

h. Consider and authorize the purchase, rental, sale, mortgaging, or alienation of

the real and personal property of the Church, except in cases covered in Article

XII, Section 9;

i. Conserve the spiritual and cultural patrimony of the Church including not only

real property but also personal property owned or bequeathed to the Church,

particularly items of religious, spiritual, liturgical, cultural, historic, and artistic

significance;

j. Maintain an inventory of all properties of the Church both real and personal;

k. Initiate, prosecute, and defend all legal matters affecting the interests of the

Church;

l. Endorse for confirmation by the Holy Synod the Metropolitan’s selection of the

Chancellor, Secretary, Treasurer, and other officers of the Church whose

competence or service extends beyond the boundaries of a single Diocese;

m. Provide for publication and dissemination of materials for promoting the

Orthodox Faith;

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n. Determine the data and means necessary for collecting and reporting on the

state of the Church, and direct the appropriate Church Officers to collect,

preserve, and report on the results;

o. Receive and act upon reports from the Church Officers, Church institutions,

departments, commissions, committees, offices, and boards in areas within its

competence;

p. Appoint committees and officers in areas within its competence, determine the

scope of their activities, and receive their reports in a timely fashion;

q. Nominate a Preconciliar Commission for appointment by the Holy Synod;

r. Assist the Holy Synod in determining the dates, location, and theme of the All-

American Council;

s. Nominate and appoint members of the Auditing Committee and receive written

reports from it in accordance with Article V, Section 9;

t. Adopt and amend the Pension Plan of The Orthodox Church in America upon

recommendation of the Pension Board, in accordance with Article III, Section 1:6;

and

u. Resolve disputes regarding the minutes of the All-American Council, as provided

for in Article III, Section 1:2.

Section 8: Administrative Committee

The Metropolitan Council may appoint a committee consisting of the Chancellor, Secretary,

Treasurer, and two additional members of the Metropolitan Council to meet with the

Standing Synod of Bishops upon its invitation, for discussion of routine administrative

matters. This committee shall present a written report to the Metropolitan Council

concerning all discussions and actions.

Section 9: Auditing Committee

An Auditing Committee, consisting of three persons with relevant professional experience,

shall be appointed by the Metropolitan Council at its first meeting following adjournment of a

normally convened All-American Council. Members of the Auditing Committee shall serve for

a term from one All-American Council through the next, excluding any extraordinary

meetings of the All-American Council. The Committee’s duties shall be to audit all accounts of

The Orthodox Church in America on a semiannual basis, to review the audited accounts of all

Stavropegial Institutions on an annual basis and to present written reports to the

Metropolitan Council. The Chair of the Auditing Committee shall attend sessions of the

Metropolitan Council solely to make the Committee’s reports. An Auditing Committee

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member may succeed himself/herself for one additional term, and may be removed only for

cause by a two-thirds vote of the Metropolitan Council. Any vacancy in the Auditing

Committee shall be filled in a timely fashion by the Metropolitan Council.

ARTICLE VI – CHURCH OFFICERS

Section 1: Definition

The Church Officers shall be a Chancellor, a Treasurer, and a Secretary. Church Officers assist

the Metropolitan and the Holy Synod in the administration of the Church and work with the

Metropolitan Council in carrying out its particular competence. The Chancellor, Treasurer,

and Secretary, together with the Metropolitan, also serve as corporate officers of the Church.

Those holding additional positions may be designated as Church Officers by the Holy Synod

and the Metropolitan Council, as needed.

The Church Officers work under the direct supervision of the Metropolitan and report to him,

the Holy Synod, and to the Metropolitan Council of which they are ex officio members.

Section 2: Terms of Office

The Church Officers are nominated by the Metropolitan and confirmed in their positions by

the Holy Synod, upon endorsement by the Metropolitan Council. The Metropolitan Council

establishes the compensation and benefits for the Church Officers.

Church Officers are employees terminable without legal cause and can be dismissed by the

Metropolitan with agreement of the Holy Synod and the Metropolitan Council. The affected

Church Officer shall not vote when the Metropolitan Council considers matters concerning

his or her dismissal.

Upon the election of a new Metropolitan, Church Officers remain in their positions for no less

than six (6) months after the election in order to assure a smooth transition in the

administration of the Church.

Section 3: Competencies

The following matters are within the competencies of the Church Officers. The Church

Officers shall:

a. Assist the Metropolitan and the Holy Synod in the administration of the Church;

b. Serve as official representatives of the Metropolitan when so designated;

c. Serve as ex officio members of the Metropolitan Council;

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d. Report on all aspects of their duties to the Metropolitan, the Holy Synod, the All-

American Council, and the Metropolitan Council at regular intervals and as

directed;

e. Discharge their fiduciary responsibilities in a clear and transparent manner;

f. Manage the financial resources of the Church responsibly and with integrity and

report on their activities in a clear and transparent manner;

g. Assure the proper maintenance of both the active and archival records of the

Church;

h. Have direct oversight over departments, commissions, committees, offices, and

boards of the Church; and

i. Perform such duties as assigned to them by the Metropolitan, the Holy Synod,

and the Metropolitan Council.

When the Office of the Metropolitan is vacant, the Chancellor shall safeguard the particular

patrimony of the Office of the Metropolitan until a new Metropolitan is elected.

ARTICLE VII – THE DIOCESE

Section 1: Definition

The Diocese is the basic Church body which unites Parishes and institutions, usually in a

defined geographical area, under the authority of a Diocesan Bishop. He governs with the

assistance of a Diocesan Assembly and a Diocesan Council. For purposes of the Statute, the

Diocesan Bishop, the Diocesan Council and the Diocesan Assembly, each acting in its proper

capacity, shall constitute the Diocesan Authority.

Section 2: Establishment of and Modification to a Diocese

a. The Holy Synod may modify the boundaries of an existing Diocese, erect new

Dioceses and determine their boundaries, and suppress or merge Dioceses according to the

needs of the Church.

b. The Holy Synod may establish Dioceses that are not defined by a specific

geographical area, but rather are composed of Parishes and institutions that are characterized

by a particular identity, as recognized and defined by the Holy Synod. Parishes and

institutions affiliated with such Dioceses shall be governed by their own Diocesan Bishop,

who shall exercise within his Diocese the same authority as the Diocesan Bishop of a

geographical Diocese.

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Section 3: Diocesan Bylaws

Each Diocese shall have Bylaws adopted by and subject to amendment by the Diocesan

Authority.

The Bylaws, among other provisions, shall provide for:

a. The nomination of a Diocesan Bishop in accordance with Article VIII, Sections 5-

7;

b. The composition and election of the Diocesan Council;

c. The appointment, dismissal, and duties of Diocesan Officers;

d. The terms of office, method of election, and duties of the Diocesan Auditing

Committee, and,

e. The amendment of the Diocesan Bylaws.

Section 4: Deaneries

The Diocese may be divided into Deaneries, each headed by a District Dean, who is selected

according to the provisions of Article XI, Section 2, unless otherwise provided for in the

Diocesan Bylaws. The number, names, and delineation of the Deaneries shall be determined

by the Diocesan Authority.

ARTICLE VIII - THE DIOCESAN BISHOP

Section 1: Definition

By virtue of his canonical election by the Holy Synod and episcopal ordination, the Diocesan

Bishop possesses full canonical authority within his Diocese, and shall exercise it with the

assistance of Diocesan clergy and laity. He is the Chief Shepherd of his Diocese.

The Diocesan Bishop is a member of the Holy Synod in accordance with Article II, Section 1:.

He shall participate in its sessions and provide a regular report to the Holy Synod on the state

of his Diocese. The Diocesan Bishop shall have the title of a principal city within his Diocese,

his title being determined by the Holy Synod. He shall reside within the limits of his Diocese.

In all matters, the decisions and pronouncements of the Diocesan Bishop are final, except

insofar as they are subject to appeal as provided in the Sacred Canons and the Statute.

Section 2: Competence

The following are within the competence of the Diocesan Bishop. The Diocesan Bishop shall:

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a. Expound the Faith and moral teaching of the Orthodox Church and guide his

flock in accordance with Church doctrine;

b. Have the right of initiative and authoritative guidance in all matters concerning

the life of his Diocese, and may issue pastoral letters, instructions and regulations

for the guidance of clergy and laity;

c. Establish Parishes, missions, provisional missions, mission stations, chapels, and

monasteries in his Diocese;

d. Consecrate churches and chapels, erect permanent altars, and consecrate and

provide Holy Antimensia within his Diocese;

e. Distribute Holy Chrism consecrated by the Metropolitan;

f. Maintain custody, with the appropriate Officers of the Diocese, of the patrimony

of the Diocese;

g. Assume possession, with the appropriate Officers of the Diocese, of the sacred

and untouchable items, as well as all official records and archives, in all cases of

the dissolution of a Parish or monastery in the Diocese;

h. Ensure that his Diocese and its Parishes and institutions are properly organized

in accordance with local civil law and that they hold clear and unambiguous title

to their real property with the exception of encumbrances incurred in normal

course with the permission of the Bishop;

i. Convene and preside over the Diocesan Assembly and Diocesan Council;

j. Approve or disallow the decisions of the Diocesan Assembly, Diocesan Council,

and Deanery and Parish meetings;

k. Appoint or confirm Diocesan Officers, as provided in the Diocesan Bylaws, and

maintain general oversight of and bear general responsibility for the efficient

administration of his Diocese;

l. Ordain qualified graduates of Orthodox seminaries to the priesthood and

diaconate as well as lower clergy for his Diocese;

m. Ordain candidates to the priesthood and diaconate for his Diocese otherwise

qualified, with the approval of the Holy Synod;

n. Appoint, transfer, remove, and grant retirement to Parish Clergy of his Diocese;

o. Accept clergy at his discretion from another Diocese of The Orthodox Church in

America, receiving their personal dossier and a canonical release;

p. Release clergy at his discretion to another Diocese of The Orthodox Church in

America, at the request of its Diocesan Bishop, issuing a canonical release and

conveying their personal dossier and other appropriate documentation;

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q. Exercise discipline over Diocesan clergy and laity in all cases not requiring the

action of a Church Court;

r. Appoint the members of Diocesan Courts and exercise final authority regarding

acceptance of their decisions and action upon their findings; in matters in which

final judgment has been reserved to the Holy Synod by the Statute or by

resolution of the Holy Synod, convey to the Synod the finding of a Diocesan

Court and all relevant documentation relating to the case and the Court’s finding;

s. Honor worthy clergy and laity of his Diocese with Diocesan awards, or request

the Holy Synod to confer synodal awards in the prescribed manner;

t. Make canonical visits to the Parishes, monasteries, and institutions of his Diocese

on his own initiative;

u. Grant charters and exercise general oversight over Diocesan monastic

communities and, in consultation with the particular community, confirm its

superior; and

v. Establish Diocesan educational or philanthropic institutions according to the

needs of his Diocese, issue their charters, and appoint officers as provided in

their charters.

The Diocesan Bishop possesses the authority necessary to exercise his episcopal ministry

within the Church in conformity with the Sacred Canons.

Section 3: Compensation

The Diocesan Bishop shall receive appropriate compensation commensurate with his position

and responsibilities, a suitable retirement plan, and a residence or a housing allowance, as

determined by norms and practices of the Diocese.

Section 4: Auxiliary Bishop

An Auxiliary Bishop may be appointed to the Diocese, with a city in the Diocese as his titular

see, upon nomination by the Diocesan Bishop in consultation with the Diocesan Council, and

canonical election by the Holy Synod, confirmed by the Metropolitan.

An Auxiliary Bishop shall have his duties, responsibilities, and rights defined by the Diocesan

Bishop and the Diocesan Bylaws. He shall be an ex officio member of the Diocesan Council

and the Diocesan Assembly.

He shall receive adequate and proper compensation to be determined by norms and practices

of the Diocese.

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Section 5: Vacancy in Office

The office of Diocesan Bishop shall be declared vacant by the Holy Synod in the event of the

incumbent’s death, retirement or resignation accepted by the Holy Synod, medical incapacity

accepted by the Holy Synod, transfer, or deposition by canonical process.

Section 6: Qualifications

a. If he is not already a bishop, the candidate for the office of bishop shall be nominated

from among the clergy or laity, monastic, celibate, or widowed.

b. To receive episcopal ordination, the nominee must satisfy all the requirements of the

Sacred Canons pertaining to this highest of all ecclesiastical offices.

c. It is preferable that the candidate have completed a course of study in a graduate

school of Orthodox theology.

d. He should be conversant in the English language and, as appropriate, in another

language commonly spoken among the faithful of the Diocese.

e. If at the time of his nomination he is a layman or a celibate or widowed priest, he

shall pronounce at least the first monastic vows (rasophore), if he has not already pronounced

such vows.

f. Diocesan bishops shall not be eligible for nomination for another Diocese.

Section 7: The Vacant See

a. In the event of a vacancy in the office of Diocesan Bishop, a Locum Tenens,

appointed by the Metropolitan, shall convoke and preside over a special Diocesan Assembly

for the sole purpose of nominating a candidate as Diocesan Bishop.

b. Should the election of a new Diocesan Bishop be delayed for an extraordinary length

of time, the Holy Synod may authorize the Locum Tenens to assume additional authority

proper to a Diocesan Bishop, as required by the best interests and continuing welfare of the

Diocese.

c. The special Diocesan Assembly shall conduct the nomination in accord with the

provisions of the Diocesan Bylaws, and the Locum Tenens shall submit the nominee to the

Holy Synod according to procedures established by the Holy Synod.

d. Upon the acceptance of the nomination by the Holy Synod, the candidate shall be

summoned to a session of the Holy Synod for canonical election.

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e. If the special Diocesan Assembly fails to nominate a candidate acceptable to the Holy

Synod, the Synod may elect another qualified candidate as Diocesan Bishop, or they may

authorize another Diocesan Assembly to nominate.

f. With his acceptance of the canonical election by the Holy Synod, the new Diocesan

Bishop, if already of episcopal rank, has full authority and prerogatives as Diocesan Bishop of

the Diocese to which he has been elected.

g. If the Bishop-Elect is not yet of episcopal rank, his ordination should occur within

thirty (30) days after his canonical election by the Holy Synod. The Metropolitan, or a senior

hierarch of the Holy Synod whom he may delegate, shall preside.

h. The new Diocesan Bishop’s enthronement in his Diocese shall occur within two (2)

weeks following his ordination or, if he is already of episcopal rank, his canonical election to

the Diocese. The enthronement shall take place in the Diocese, preferably in the Diocesan

cathedral. The Metropolitan, or a senior hierarch of the Holy Synod whom he may delegate,

shall preside.

Section 8: Mission Activity

The Diocesan Bishop shall propagate and expound the Faith and moral teaching of the

Orthodox Church among all people within the boundaries of his Diocese, both Orthodox

Christians and those not members of the Orthodox Church.

The Diocesan Bishop shall:

a. Ensure that his clergy witness to the Orthodox faith in their communities;

b. Direct Parish Clergy also to extend their pastoral activity to the unchurched;

c. Establish missions for the purpose of propagating the Orthodox Faith; and

d. Ensure that necessary funds are provided for missionary activity within his

Diocese.

ARTICLE IX - THE DIOCESAN ASSEMBLY

Section 1: Definition

The Diocesan Assembly is the highest legislative and administrative authority within the

Diocese, and assists the Diocesan Bishop in its governance. The Assembly brings together the

various elements of the Diocese to bear witness to her identity, unity, and mission.

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Section 2: Composition

The Diocesan Assembly shall be composed of:

a. The Diocesan Bishop;

b. The Auxiliary Bishop(s);

c. The superiors of Diocesan monasteries;

d. The priests and deacons of each Parish, ex officio, and an equal number of lay

delegates from each Parish, elected as provided in Section 7 of this Article;

e. One lay delegate from each Parish not having a priest;

f. The members of the Diocesan Council and the members of its Auditing

Committee, if not otherwise qualified to attend;

g. Two delegates, one priest or deacon and one layman, from the faculty and senior

staff of each Diocesan theological institution, appointed by the appropriate

authority of the institutions;

h. Attached clergy, if accredited by the Diocesan Council, with the permission of

the Diocesan Bishop, with the right to attend and to speak from the floor of the

Assembly, but without the right to vote;

i. Retired bishops and other clergy resident in the Diocese, if accredited by the

Diocesan Council, with the permission of the Diocesan Bishop, with the right to

attend and to speak from the floor of the Assembly, but without the right to vote;

j. Members of special committees invited by the Diocesan Council to attend and

participate in the discussions of the subject of their work; and

k. Additional persons invited by the Diocesan Council with the permission of the

Diocesan Bishop, to attend sessions of the Diocesan Assembly with or without

the right to participate in the discussions, but without the right to vote.

Members of a Parish of the Diocese, having been accredited in a manner to be determined by

the Diocesan Council, may attend the Diocesan Assembly as Observers and, with the

agreement of the majority of the delegates, may be permitted to address the Assembly, but not

to vote.

Section 3: Periodicity

a. The Diocesan Assembly shall be convened at least once each calendar year, or as

otherwise provided for in Diocesan Bylaws. The place of the meeting is to be determined by

the previous Diocesan Assembly; however, in case of necessity, the Diocesan Council may

change the place of meeting.

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b. Special Diocesan Assemblies may be convoked by the Diocesan Bishop in

consultation with the Diocesan Council, or by the Locum Tenens for the election of a

Diocesan Bishop as specified in Article VIII, Section 7.

Section 4: Competence of the Diocesan Assembly

The following are within the competence of the Diocesan Assembly. The Diocesan Assembly

shall:

a. Consider and approve measures to strengthen the life of the Diocese and

encourage the growth of her Parishes and faithful people in Orthodox Faith and

piety through the establishment and maintenance of educational, philanthropic

and other necessary institutions, organizations and programs;

b. Establish means for securing revenue necessary to fulfill these aims, to fund the

Diocesan administration, and to fulfill the Diocesan financial obligations to the

Church as determined by the All-American Council;

c. Receive reports on the operation and activities of the Diocesan Administration

and Diocesan institutions, the Deaneries, the Auditing Committee, and

organizations and programs;

d. Authorize the Diocesan Council to acquire, encumber, or dispose of Diocesan

properties;

e. Approve the Diocesan budget and otherwise allocate and encumber Diocesan

resources;

f. Propose matters for consideration by the Metropolitan and Church Officers, the

All-American Council, or the Metropolitan Council, as appropriate;

g. In the event of a vacancy in the office of Diocesan Bishop, and constituted as a

Special Assembly, nominate a candidate for that office to the Holy Synod, in

accordance with Article VIII, Section 7.

h. Elect the members of the Diocesan Council and Auditing Committee as provided

in the Diocesan Bylaws;

i. Elect Diocesan Representatives and alternates to the Metropolitan Council as

provided in Article V, Section 2; and

j. Cooperate in implementing decisions of the Holy Synod, the All-American

Council, the Metropolitan Council, and other Church authorities on the Diocesan

and parochial levels.

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Section 5: Requirements for Representation at the Diocesan Assembly

Every Parish in the Diocese which has remitted all financial obligations determined by the All-

American Council and all financial obligations determined by previous Diocesan Assemblies

is entitled to representation as outlined in Section 2.d-e of this Article.

The Parish shall assume the expenses incurred by its delegates in attending the Assembly.

Section 6: Reports

The Diocesan Council, acting with the approval of the Diocesan Bishop, shall determine the

reports which are to be presented at the Diocesan Assembly and, if necessary, shall appoint

the persons or committees to make such reports.

Section 7: Election and Accreditation of Delegates

The lay delegates of the Diocesan Assembly must meet the following requirements to be

elected and accredited:

a. Be elected by a Parish Assembly or by the Parish Council in accordance with the

requirements and procedures established for such an election in Diocesan or

Parish Bylaws;

b. Be a Parishioner in accordance with Article XII, Section 5;

c. The elected delegates shall be accredited to the Assembly in accord with

procedures and documentation established by the Diocesan Authority; and

The Parish Priest shall submit the proper documentation to the Diocesan Authority. If the

Parish or mission has no Parish Priest the District Dean shall oversee the election and submit

the documentation. The delegates from a theological institution, if laymen, shall be accredited

by the appropriate authority of the institution.

Section 8: Credentials Committee

A Credentials Committee, appointed by the Diocesan Council with the approval of the

Diocesan Bishop, or the Locum Tenens in the case of a Special Diocesan Assembly, shall verify

the credentials of all members of the Diocesan Assembly and of additional persons invited by

the Diocesan Council.

Section 9: Divine Services

The order of liturgical services at the Diocesan Assembly shall be determined in advance by

the Diocesan Bishop in consultation with the Diocesan Council.

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Section 10: Agenda

The agenda for the Diocesan Assembly shall be fixed in advance by the Diocesan Council with

the approval of the Diocesan Bishop, and shall be provided to all delegates at least three (3)

weeks prior to the date set for the convening of the Assembly. The agenda may be changed by

vote of the Assembly.

Section 11: Presiding Officers

a. The presiding officer of the Diocesan Assembly shall be the Diocesan Bishop, or an

Auxiliary Bishop or priest specifically appointed by the Diocesan Bishop.

b. Two vice-chairpersons, one priest or deacon and one layperson, shall be elected by

the Diocesan Assembly and shall perform such functions as may be assigned to them by the

presiding officer.

Section 12: Secretariat

The Diocesan Assembly shall elect a Secretariat according to its needs.

Section 13: Minutes

The minutes of the Assembly shall be prepared and signed by the Secretariat and submitted to

the presiding officer for his written acceptance as to form and accuracy. Within a period of not

more than sixty (60) days after the final adjournment of the Assembly, the minutes, approved

by the presiding officer, shall be published and distributed to each delegate. The minutes shall

be approved by the Diocesan Authority no later than the next Diocesan Assembly.

Section 14: Committees

The Diocesan Council shall establish such committees as may be necessary for the proper

operation of the Assembly, and shall define their membership and responsibilities.

Section 15: Quorum

A majority of the members of the Diocesan Assembly who have been accredited and

registered shall constitute a quorum.

Section 16: Voting

a. As its first order of business, the Assembly shall adopt rules of procedure for the

conduct of its business, unless otherwise provided for in the Diocesan Bylaws.

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b. All resolutions and other decisions of the Diocesan Assembly shall be approved by

majority vote, unless otherwise required by the Diocesan Bylaws.

Section 17: Approval by the Diocesan Bishop

No resolution or other action of the Diocesan Assembly shall be effective until it is approved

by the Diocesan Bishop, or the Locum Tenens in the case of a Special Diocesan Assembly.

Approval or disapproval shall in the normal course be announced before the adjournment of

the Diocesan Assembly.

Section 18: Auditing Committee

The Auditing Committee, consisting of no fewer than three (3) members, shall be elected by

the Diocesan Assembly. The members of the Diocesan Auditing Committee shall not be

members of the Diocesan Council or be Diocesan Officers. Members of the Auditing

Committee shall be members ex officio of the Diocesan Assembly. Their relevant professional

experience, the terms of office, the method of their election, and their duties shall be as

defined in Article X, Section 8, and in the Diocesan Bylaws.

ARTICLE X - THE DIOCESAN COUNCIL

Section 1: Definition

The Diocesan Council, normally meeting under the presidency of the Diocesan Bishop, is the

permanent executive body of the Diocesan administration which exists for the purpose of

implementing the decisions of the Diocesan Assembly and continues the work of the

Assembly between its sessions.

Section 2: Composition

The Diocesan Council shall consist of:

a. The Diocesan Bishop, or Locum Tenens, ex officio;

b. Auxiliary Bishop(s);

c. The Diocesan Officers, ex officio;

d. The Diocesan Representatives to the Metropolitan Council, ex officio; and

e. Additional members as determined by the Diocesan Bylaws.

The Diocesan Bylaws may provide for the appointment of non-voting members to the

Council.

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The Diocesan Bishop, or Locum Tenens, shall be the chairman of the Diocesan Council, but in

his absence, an Auxiliary Bishop or a priest designated by the Diocesan Bishop, or Locum

Tenens, may preside at a particular meeting of the Council.

The Diocesan Council shall elect such other officers as may be needed to carry out its

functions, as provided in the Diocesan Bylaws.

Section 3: Periodicity

a. The Diocesan Council shall convene at least twice each calendar year.

b. Extraordinary sessions of the Diocesan Council may be convened by the Diocesan

Bishop, the Locum Tenens, or at the written request of at least one-half of the voting

membership of the Council.

Section 4: Terms of Office and Vacancies in Office

Terms of office and the means of filling vacancies on the Diocesan Council shall be as

provided in the Diocesan Bylaws.

Section 5: Quorum and Voting

a. The Diocesan Bishop, or Locum Tenens, or another presiding officer designated by

him, plus one-half of the Voting Members of the Diocesan Council shall constitute a quorum

for the conduct of business.

b. Decisions of the Diocesan Council shall be by majority vote of the members present

and voting unless otherwise provided in the Diocesan Bylaws.

c. All decisions of the Diocesan Council shall become effective upon approval by the

Diocesan Bishop, or Locum Tenens.

Section 6: Competence

The following matters are within the competence of the Diocesan Council. The Diocesan

Council shall:

a. Consider and act on matters affecting the Parishes and institutions of the Diocese

in accordance with the directives of the Diocesan Bishop and the decisions of the

Diocesan Assembly;

b. Consider matters submitted by the Diocesan Bishop and make recommendations

regarding his further action;

c. Implement the decisions of the Diocesan Assembly;

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d. Cooperate in implementation on the Diocesan and parochial levels of the

decisions of the Holy Synod, the All-American Council, the Metropolitan Council,

and other Church authorities;

e. Oversee Diocesan Officers and administrative bodies as provided in the Diocesan

Bylaws, and provide for the employment of such personnel as necessary for the

efficient functioning of the Diocesan administration;

f. Allocate Diocesan funds for the general benefit of the Diocese, including, as

necessary, the allocation of Diocesan funds to Parishes or institutions of the

Diocese;

g. Supervise the collection of regular financial obligations fixed by the Diocesan

Assembly, and initiate and oversee special fund-raising projects;

h. Examine and verify the financial records and reports, including the reports of the

Auditing Committee;

i. Oversee the management of all Diocesan investments and property, real and

personal; and supervise and approve the acquisition, encumbrance and

disposition of the same;

j. Attend to legal matters affecting the interests and welfare of the Diocese;

k. Advise the Diocesan Bishop on the establishment of Parishes and deaneries;

l. Render a final decision regarding the authenticity of the minutes of the Diocesan

Assembly should a question arise concerning their accuracy;

m. Provide for the establishment and maintenance of institutions or organizations

of philanthropy and education within the Diocese;

n. Oversee preparation for the Diocesan Assembly; and

o. Maintain the religious, cultural, and historical patrimony of the Diocese, its

Parishes, and institutions.

Section 7: The Diocesan Officers

The Diocesan Bishop shall appoint a Chancellor and a Treasurer, who shall perform such

duties as assigned to them by the Diocesan Bishop, the Diocesan Assembly, and the Diocesan

Council. The Diocesan Bishop shall appoint such other officers as may be provided for in the

Diocesan Bylaws to ensure the efficient operation of the Diocesan Administration.

The Diocesan Officers work under the direct supervision of the Bishop and report to the

Diocesan Council of which they are ex officio members.

The Diocesan Officers shall implement the decisions of the Diocesan Council under the

supervision of the Diocesan Bishop.

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The Diocesan Officers shall assure the proper maintenance of both the active and archival

records of the Diocese and assist Parishes and institutions of the Diocese in the proper

maintenance of their own active and archival records.

When the office of the Diocesan Bishop is vacant, the Chancellor shall safeguard the particular

patrimony of the Diocese until a new Diocesan Bishop is elected.

Section 8: Auditing Committee

The Auditing Committee, consisting of three persons with relevant professional experience,

shall be elected by the Diocesan Assembly. The Auditing Committee shall audit annually the

accounts of the Diocesan administration with respect to all Diocesan funds and the funds of

all Diocesan institutions. The Auditing Committee shall report its findings to the Diocesan

Council and the Diocesan Assembly. Members of the Auditing Committee may attend

sessions of the Diocesan Council to make its report. Vacancies in the Auditing Committee

shall be filled by the Diocesan Bishop in consultation with the Diocesan Council, pending the

convening of the next Diocesan Assembly. Matters relating to terms of office, method of

election, and further duties shall be as defined in the Diocesan Bylaws.

ARTICLE XI - THE DEANERY

Section 1: Definition

A Deanery is a specified administrative district, within the boundaries of a Diocese, usually

encompassing Parishes in a defined geographical area, and established by the Diocesan

Bishop in consultation with the Diocesan Council.

Section 2: The District Dean

The District Dean is a priest who heads a deanery. He assists the Diocesan Bishop in the

administration of the Deanery.

The District Dean shall be appointed by the Diocesan Bishop from among the Parish Priests of

the Deanery in consultation with Deanery clergy or as provided for in the Diocesan Bylaws.

Section 3: Competence of the District Dean

The following are within the competence of the District Dean. The District Dean shall:

a. Oversee Deanery matters and the activities of its clergy;

b. Assist the Diocesan Bishop by giving direction and fraternal counsel to deanery

clergy in areas of pastoral concern in a private and circumspect manner,

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whenever their personal conduct or manner of discharging their duties indicates

the need for such counsel or action;

c. Receive and investigate complaints against clergy and laity and against the

decisions of Parish bodies and submit his report and recommendations to the

Diocesan Bishop;

d. Participate in Parish meetings at the direction of the Diocesan Bishop;

e. Participate in Parish meetings at the request of the Parish Priest or the Parish

Council with the permission of the Diocesan Bishop;

f. Provide for services during temporary absence of Parish Clergy with the consent

of the Diocesan Bishop;

g. Assist the Diocesan Bishop in the planning and organization of new Parishes

within the Deanery;

h. Convene periodic meetings of Deanery clergy and submit the minutes of the

meetings to the Diocesan Bishop; and

i. Submit an annual report on the Deanery to the Diocesan Bishop and the

Diocesan Assembly.

The District Dean shall fulfill other duties entrusted to him by the Diocesan Bishop.

Section 4: The Dean of Orthodox Military and Veterans Administration Chaplains

a. The Dean of Orthodox Military and Veterans Administration Chaplains is appointed

by and directly responsible to the Metropolitan.

b. The competence and duties of the Dean of Orthodox Military and Veterans

Administration Chaplains shall be the same as those of the District Deans as described above

insofar as they are applicable.

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ARTICLE XII – THE PARISH

Section 1: Definition

a. The Parish is a local Orthodox Eucharistic community canonically established by and

subject to the authority of the Diocesan Bishop. For purposes of the Statute, unless otherwise

specified, the term Parish refers to Parishes, Missions, Provisional Missions, and Mission

Stations.

b. The organization and administration of a Parish are subject to the Statute, the statute

or Bylaws of the Diocese, and the Parish Bylaws approved by the Diocesan Authority. The

Orthodox Church in general and The Orthodox Church in America in particular are

hierarchical in structure.

c. A Chapel is a unique Orthodox Eucharistic community canonically established by

and subject to the authority of the Diocesan Bishop. Although a Chapel is not a Parish, the

Statute and this Article in particular apply to Chapels insofar as they are appropriate to their

situation.

Section 2: The Diocesan Bishop and the Parish

a. The Bishop is the spiritual leader of all Parishes within his Diocese. In consultation

with the Diocesan Council, he shall establish, territorially define, consolidate with another

Parish, or suppress a Parish. He appoints Parish Clergy, maintaining a relationship with them

that is at once hierarchical and conciliar, marked by obedience and collaboration. He has the

obligation and right of visitation to the Parish and receives and approves regular reports on

Parish life. In case of conflict and disorder within the Parish, he takes all necessary measures

to resolve them consistent with the Sacred Canons and the Statute.

b. For the establishment of a Parish, a local group of faithful must demonstrate that it is

stable and has the potential to become self-supporting and self-sustaining, and that it agrees

that its corporate charter and Bylaws will be consistent with canonical requirements and the

Statute. No corporate charter or Bylaws of any Parish shall be effective unless approved by the

Diocesan Authority.

c. When the Bishop deems it appropriate, in consultation with the local group of

faithful, he dedicates the new Parish to a feast day or places it under the protection of a patron

saint.

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d. Additional signs of the canonical status of the Parish and the sacramental

communion that exists between it and the Bishop are the Holy Antimension given by the

Bishop and the commemoration of the Bishop during liturgical services.

Section 3: The Parish Priest

a. The Parish Priest, also referred to as rector or priest-in-charge, by virtue of his

ordination and canonical appointment, serves as the spiritual father and teacher of that

portion of the flock of Christ entrusted to him, the first among the Parish Clergy, and presides

over liturgical worship in accordance with the tradition and the norms of the Church.

b. By virtue of the authority delegated to him at his appointment by the Diocesan

Bishop, the Parish Priest, as head of the Parish, shall:

i. Teach, sanctify, and edify the faithful entrusted to his spiritual care with

no partiality;

ii. Provide for the administration of the sacraments and the celebration of

all liturgical services;

iii. Ensure that all educational, philanthropic, social, and cultural activities

within the Parish or of the Parish are consistent with the mission of the

Church;

iv. Head and administer the Parish in a manner consistent with the

provisions of the Statute, the governing documents of the Diocese and

Parish, and the directives of the Diocesan Authority in cooperation with

the Parish Council. No activities in the Parish can be initiated without

his knowledge, approval, and blessing; neither should he do anything

pertaining to the Parish without the knowledge of the appropriate Parish

bodies, so that always and everywhere there may be mutual trust,

cooperation, unity, and love;

v. Normally preside over the Parish Assembly and Parish Council, except in

cases when the Bishop is present or when the Bishop's delegate is

present for this purpose;

vi. Head the Parish office and be entrusted with the care, custody, and

maintenance of sacramental and administrative records, inventories,

and the official Parish seal; and

vii. Represent the Parish before local civil and judicial authorities and other

third parties, either personally or through his delegate.

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c. The Parish shall compensate the Parish Priest. His compensation shall be determined

according to established Diocesan procedures and norms. His compensation is to be clearly

agreed upon prior to his appointment.

d. The Parish Priest possesses the rights and exercises the responsibilities stipulated by

the Sacred Canons, the Statute, and the directives of the Holy Synod and the Diocesan

Authority.

e. The Parish Priest cannot vacate his Parish, change his status, or seek to transfer to

another Parish or Diocese without the permission of the Diocesan Bishop.

Section 4: Other Parish Clergy

a. An Associates Priest is a Priest who has been appointed to a Parish by the Diocesan

Bishop, receives compensation from the Parish, and carries out ministries within the Parish as

directed by the Parish Priest in consultation with the Parish Council. His role in the

governance of the Parish is determined by the established Diocesan procedures and norms.

b. An Assigned Deacon is a Deacon who has been appointed by the Bishop to service

within a Parish, receives compensation from the Parish, and carries out ministries within the

Parish as directed by the Parish Priest in consultation with the Parish Council. His role in the

governance of the Parish is determined by the established Diocesan procedures and norms.

c. Attached clergy are priests or deacons who are canonically attached to a Parish by the

Bishop without necessary compensation from the Parish and without involvement in Parish

governance.

d. Like the Parish Priest, all Parish Clergy, including those in minor orders, possess the

rights and exercise the responsibilities stipulated for their order by the Sacred Canons, the

Statute, and the directives of the Holy Synod and the Diocesan Authority.

e. Parish Clergy cannot vacate the Parish to which they are assigned or attached, change

their status, or seek to transfer to another Parish or Diocese without the permission of the

Diocesan Bishop.

Section 5: Parishioner

a. A Parishioner is one who, by virtue of Baptism and Chrismation, is a member of the

Body of Christ and incorporated into a local Parish community as a Parish member.

b. A Parishioner has a reasonable expectation for pastoral care in accordance with the

Orthodox tradition. He or she enjoys full benefits of participation in Parish life. He or she has

39

the duty to sustain, strengthen and witness to the Orthodox Faith; to live according to the

teaching of the Church; to participate in the religious services; to partake of the Holy

Sacraments; to fulfill acts of Christian mercy; to support and help the Church.

c. Parish membership may be suspended or revoked by the Parish Priest or the

Diocesan Bishop for due cause, such as:

i. Open rejection of the Orthodox Faith;

ii. Public and open defamation of, defiance of, or rebellion against

ecclesiastical authority;

iii. Grave moral transgression; or

iv. Formal association with a non-Orthodox religious body.

d. A Voting Member of the Parish is a Parishioner who:

i. Is at least eighteen years of age;

ii. Receives the Sacrament of Confession at least once a year in the Parish

or, with the permission of the Parish Priest, elsewhere;

iii. Receives Holy Communion at least once a year in the Parish;

iv. Has been a Parishioner for a period of time fixed by the Diocesan

Authority; and

v. Fulfills financial obligations as established by the All-American Councils,

Diocesan Assemblies, and the Parish.

Voting Membership shall be denied if these criteria are not met.

e. A Voting Member has accepted the right, privilege, and responsibility to vote in

Parish Assemblies. A Voting Member may be considered for election to office in appropriate

Parish bodies. A Voting Member is eligible for election as a delegate to the Diocesan Assembly

and the All-American Council.

Section 6: Financial Obligation

Each year, the Parish shall remit to the Diocesan Treasurer its minimum financial support to

the Diocese and through it to The Orthodox Church in America as determined by the All-

American Council and in conformity with local civil law.

Section 7: The Parish Assembly

a. The Parish Assembly, sometimes known as the Parish Meeting, meets annually to

consider matters pertaining to the life of the Parish and to conduct necessary elections

relating to the Parish as a whole. The Parish Assembly is comprised of the Voting Members of

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the Parish, and such additional persons as shall be provided for by Diocesan and Parish

Bylaws, established procedures and norms, normally meeting under the presidency of the

Parish Priest, or the Diocesan Bishop or the Bishop's delegate. The Parish Priest together with

the Parish Council may invite additional persons with or without the right to speak but

without the right to vote.

b. The Parish Priest together with the Parish Council, or the Diocesan Bishop, may call a

special Parish Assembly to consider matters of specific concern.

c. Procedures for the call, conduct, and recording of the annual and any special Parish

Assemblies shall be provided by the Diocesan and Parish Bylaws.

d. The following matters are within the competence of the Parish Assembly. The Parish

Assembly shall:

i. Hear and approve annual or special reports by committees and Parish

organizations;

ii. Consider and decide on matters concerning the purchase, improvement,

or sale of real property; investment of Parish funds (other than in savings

accounts); and the transfer of any interest in or change of ownership and

the incurring of indebtedness or otherwise encumbering Parish funds or

property, subject to the approval of the Diocesan Authority;

iii. Approve the annual operating budget submitted by the Parish Council;

iv. Provide for the adoption and amendment of Parish Bylaws, if this is not

otherwise provided for; and

v. Elect members of the Parish Council, the auditing committee, and the

lay delegates to the Diocesan Assembly and to the All-American Council,

if the latter is to meet during that current year.

e. In case the Parish Priest disagrees with one or more decisions of the Parish Assembly,

his reasoned opinion shall be recorded in the minutes and the matter submitted to the

Bishop. So also, if an officer of the Parish Council disagrees with one or more decisions of the

Parish Assembly, his or her motivated opinion shall be recorded in the minutes and the

matter submitted to the Bishop. The manner in which further dissent is recorded and possibly

transmitted to the Bishop shall be dealt with by Diocesan and Parish Bylaws and established

procedures and norms.

f. No Parish Assembly, either annual or special, shall take any action which is contrary

to or not in accord with the Statute. Should there be any such conflict, the Statute shall

41

prevail. Should there be a question whether an action of a Parish Assembly is valid or lawful

under the Statute, the issue shall be submitted to the Diocesan Authority for determination.

Section 8: The Parish Council

a. The Parish Council is the executive body that assists the Parish Priest in

administration of the Parish and normally meets under his presidency. The Parish Council is

comprised of the Parish Priest, ex officio, and members elected by the Parish Assembly and

any ex officio and appointed members as may be provided for by Diocesan or Parish Bylaws.

The Parish Council seeks to foster the spiritual and material welfare of the Parish.

b. The number of members of the Parish Council and their terms of office shall be

determined by Diocesan and Parish Bylaws. The mode of election, terms of office, titles, and

duties of Parish Council officers shall also be determined by Diocesan and Parish Bylaws. All

members of the Parish Council shall be installed by the Parish Priest according to Diocesan

procedures and norms.

c. Periodicity of meetings and procedures for the normal conduct of business for the

regular and special Parish Council meetings shall be provided by the Diocesan and Parish

Bylaws.

d. The following matters are within the competence of the Parish Council. The Parish

Council shall:

i. Exercise fiduciary responsibility for the Parish;

ii. Implement within its competence the decisions of the Parish Assembly,

the Diocesan Authority, and the All-American Council;

iii. Formulate, implement, and direct stewardship programs;

iv. Oversee implementation of the budget adopted by the Parish Assembly;

v. Authorize any fundraising activity within the Parish;

vi. Manage, inventory, and maintain Parish properties, both real and

personal;

vii. Regulate use of Parish facilities;

viii. Maintain and verify the official roster of the Parish's general and voting

membership;

ix. Oversee and regularly receive reports from Parish ministries and

organizations;

x. Prepare reports on aspects of Parish life within its competence for the

annual Parish Assembly;

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xi. Propose an annual budget for consideration at the annual Parish

Assembly; and

xii. Set a date and propose an agenda for Parish Assemblies.

e. No regular or special meeting of the Parish Council shall be held without the

knowledge and blessing of the Parish Priest. If the Parish Priest is unable to preside over a

meeting of the Parish Council, the senior elected officer of the Parish Council shall preside

with the blessing of the Parish Priest or the Bishop. In case the office of Parish Priest is vacant,

until the appointment of the new Parish Priest, the senior elected officer of the Parish Council

shall preside, unless the Bishop or his delegate is present.

f. The official minutes of all meetings of the Parish Council shall, in accordance with

Diocesan or Parish Bylaws, be approved, signed, properly maintained, and made available as

appropriate.

g. In case the Parish Priest disagrees with one or more decisions of the Parish Council,

his reasoned opinion shall be recorded in the minutes and the matter referred to the Diocesan

Authority.

Section 9: Parish Property

a. The Parish corporation holds legal title to all Parish property, assets, and funds. In

administering them, the Parishioners and the officers elected by them must always remember

the religious nature, purposes, and goal of the Parish and act as trustees of such property

dedicated to the service of God and the use of the Church.

b. All Parish property, assets and funds are and shall be owned and held by the Parish or

Parish corporation in trust for the use, purpose, and benefit of the Diocese of The Orthodox

Church in America of which it is a part. This provision shall not limit the authority of the

Parish or Parish corporation in its administration of such property, assets, and funds in accord

with the faith, governance, and discipline of The Orthodox Church in America.

c. In the event the Diocese shall be dissolved or attempt to disaffiliate from The

Orthodox Church in America in a disorderly manner, all Parish property, assets and funds of

such Diocese are and shall remain subject to the use, purpose, and benefit of The Orthodox

Church in America.

d. If the Parish is canonically suppressed or otherwise ceases to exist, its real and

personal property shall be disposed of in accord with Section 9, b, above. In all cases, the

sacred and untouchable items, viz. the Holy Antimension, the Tabernacle, and the Sacred

Vessels, as well as all Parish records, shall be surrendered to the Diocesan Bishop or his

designee.

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ARTICLE XIII – MONASTICISM

Section 1: Definition

a. A monastery is a local Orthodox Eucharistic community of men or women who have

willingly chosen to live the monastic life and which functions under the immediate canonical

supervision and pastoral care of the Bishop, who is the canonical and spiritual leader of the

monastery. For purpose of the Statute, unless otherwise specified, the term monastery refers

to and includes monasteries, monastic communities, sketes, metochia, and cells.

i. The Metropolitan shall be the canonical and spiritual leader of all

stavropegial monasteries.

ii. The Diocesan Bishop shall be the canonical and spiritual leader of all

Diocesan monasteries within his Diocese.

b. The organization of monastic life and the administration of the monasteries are

subject to the Sacred Canons, the Statute, regulations for monasteries and monasticism as

developed by the Holy Synod, the statute or Bylaws of a Diocese, where applicable, and the

monastery’s own statutes or Bylaws approved by the Bishop, in consultation with the Holy

Synod. The Orthodox Church in general and The Orthodox Church in America in particular

are hierarchical in structure.

Section 2: Monastery Leadership

a. The Bishop supervises all the monasteries under his canonical supervision. In all

matters related to the administration of monasteries, he seeks only the welfare of the

monasteries. He appoints or confirms monastery superiors, maintaining a relationship with

them that is at once hierarchical and conciliar, marked by obedience and collaboration. He

ordains and appoints monastic clergy at his discretion. He has the obligation and right of

visitation to the monastery and receives from it and approves annual reports on the life of the

monastery. In cases of conflict or disorder within the monastery, he takes all necessary

measures to resolve them consistent with the Sacred Canons and the Statute.

b. By virtue of the authority delegated at his or her appointment or confirmation by the

Bishop, the superior of the monastery is responsible for all administrative and spiritual

matters of the monastery, being assisted by monastic councils and assemblies as provided for

in monastic regulations and statutes or Bylaws.

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Section 3: Establishment of a Monastery

Establishment, suppression, or other significant alterations in the status or operation of a

monastery shall be initiated by, and require the approval of, the Bishop who is the canonical

and spiritual leader of the monastery. The Bishop shall, in taking such action, give careful and

thorough assessment of the reasons, material base, necessary monastic personnel, and local

missionary conditions which bear on his decision. He shall consult in such matters with the

Holy Synod, and the appropriate Council (the Diocesan Council in the case of a monastery

whose canonical and spiritual leader is the Diocesan Bishop and the Metropolitan Council in

the case of a monastery whose canonical and spiritual leader is the Metropolitan) with respect

to any matters within the competence of that Council.

Section 4: Monastic Property

a. The monastery corporation holds title to all its own monastery property, assets, and

funds, whether of a legal or equitable character. In administering them, the monastery

leadership must always remember the religious nature, purposes, and goal of the monastery

and act as trustees of such property dedicated to the service of God and the use of the Church.

b. All monastic property, assets and funds, whether of a legal or an equitable character,

are and shall be owned and held by the monastery in trust for the use, purpose, and benefit of

the Diocese of The Orthodox Church in America of which it is a part and in trust for the use,

purpose, and benefit of The Orthodox Church in America.

c. In the event that a Diocese of The Orthodox Church in America shall be dissolved or

attempt to disaffiliate from The Orthodox Church in America in a disorderly manner, all

monastery property, assets and funds of such Diocese, whether of a legal or an equitable

character, are and shall remain subject to the use, purpose, and benefit of The Orthodox

Church in America.

d. If a monastery of which the Diocesan Bishop is the canonical and spiritual leader is

canonically suppressed or otherwise ceases to exist, its real and personal property, whether of

a legal or an equitable character, shall be disposed of in accordance with the directives of the

Diocesan Bishop. The Diocesan Bishop shall consult with the Holy Synod in the formulation of

his directives in this regard and he shall moreover consult with his Diocesan Council with

regard to any matters within its competence which may be implicated in or by his directives.

e. If a monastery of which the Metropolitan is the canonical and spiritual leader is

canonically suppressed or otherwise ceases to exist, its real and personal property, whether of

a legal or an equitable character, shall be disposed of in accordance with the directives of the

Metropolitan. The Metropolitan shall consult with the Holy Synod in the formulation of his

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directives in this regard and moreover he shall consult with the Metropolitan Council with

regard to any matters within its competence which may be implicated in or by his directives.

f. In all monastic establishments of The Orthodox Church of America, the founders,

donors and benefactors of any monastic establishment shall have no right or privilege,

whether legal or equitable, of ownership, use, or interference in their management, their

administration, or their spiritual life. Moreover, none of those who have made donations or

contributed financially or materially toward the construction, alteration, expansion or

maintenance of any monastic establishment shall have any right, whether in law or in equity,

to the return of any donated property, whether real or personal, or its monetary equivalent.

ARTICLE XIV – STAVROPEGIAL INSTITUTIONS

Section 1: Definition

The term stavropegial refers to certain monasteries, theological schools, institutes, chapels

and organizations that are under the immediate canonical supervision and pastoral care of

the Metropolitan in his capacity as Primate of the Church, inasmuch as the purpose, mission

and activities of these institutions typically extend beyond the limits of a single Diocese to the

entire Church.

The purpose, mission and activities of a Stavropegial Institution, including any auxiliary or

affiliated operations, shall be consonant with the teachings, canonical tradition and moral

principles of the Orthodox Church.

Section 2: Regulation

Establishment, suppression, or significant change in purpose of a Stavropegial Institution

requires approval by the Holy Synod, acting at the request of the Metropolitan, after

consultation with the Metropolitan Council concerning any matters within its competence.

Stavropegial Institutions are regulated by the Statute, by such regulations as may be

established by the Holy Synod, and by their own charters and governing documents. Every

Stavropegial Institution shall incorporate as a religious, non-profit corporation in accordance

with applicable civil law, and shall submit copies of the relevant documentation to the

Metropolitan, who deposits them in the Church archives and fully and accurately reports on

the matter to the Holy Synod and the Metropolitan Council.

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Section 3: Accountability

Every Stavropegial Institution shall submit an annual written report to the Metropolitan, and

through him to the Holy Synod and the Metropolitan Council, concerning institutional life

and activities.

Every Stavropegial Institution shall submit on an annual basis audited financial accounts,

including those of any auxiliary and affiliated operations, for review by the Church’s Auditing

Committee.

ARTICLE XV – ECCLESIASTICAL COURTS

Section 1: The Right to Canonical Process

Every member of the Church, whether cleric, monastic, or lay, is entitled to canonical process

in the Courts of the Church and can defend and vindicate their legitimate rights in the

competent ecclesiastical forum according to the norm of law.

Section 2: Standards, Norms and Procedures

The Holy Synod, as the highest canonical authority within the Church, shall establish

standards, norms, and procedures to be observed in all matters involving cases presented

before the Courts of the Church at all levels.

The standards, norms, and procedures established by the Holy Synod and observed in the

Courts of the Church shall be those set forth in the Sacred Canons and traditions of the Holy

Orthodox Church and shall include, but not be limited to:

a. The determination by the Court of the accuser’s good and irreproachable

character and lack of motivations stemming from personal advantage or personal

animosity;

b. The right of the accused that accusations against the accused be in a writing

addressed to the Diocesan Bishop of the accused;

c. The right of the accused to a written summons to the relevant Church Court

setting forth the name of the accuser and the nature of the accusation;

d. The right of the accused to the advice and assistance of any third-party in

connection with all procedures of the Church Court;

e. The right of the accused to a reasonable time for the preparation of a defense

before any hearing in a Church Court;

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f. The right of the accused to be present at and participate in the proceeding of the

Church Court except in extraordinary and unusual circumstances; and

g. The right of the accused to present a defense to any accusation, including the

presentation of documents on behalf of the accused, the hearing of witnesses

designated by the accused, and the presentation of the testimony of experts

acceptable to the Court.

In all instances, the accused shall have the right to testify on his or her own behalf.

The standards, norms, and procedures approved and promulgated by the Holy Synod shall

remain in effect until they are amended or abrogated by the approval and promulgation of

subsequent texts by the Holy Synod.

Section 3: The Diocesan Court

The Diocesan Court shall be established by the Diocesan Bishop and shall be the Court of first

instance in all matters concerning clergy and laity of the Diocese or otherwise under the

authority of the Diocesan Bishop.

Section 4: Competence of the Diocesan Court

The Diocesan Court shall be competent to adjudicate cases involving allegations of

unorthodox belief or teaching, breaches of canonical or moral discipline, issues relating to

marriage, disputes between individuals, administration of Parish and other Diocesan

institutions, and other matters involving good Church order.

Section 5: The Stavropegial Court

The Stavropegial Court shall be established by the Metropolitan and shall be the Court of first

instance in all matters within its competence concerning the clergy and laity canonically

assigned or attached to, or who freely associate themselves with, Stavropegial Institutions.

Section 6: Competence of the Stavropegial Court

The Stavropegial Court shall be competent to adjudicate cases involving allegations of

unorthodox belief or teaching, breaches of canonical or moral discipline, issues relating to

marriage, disputes between individuals, administration of Stavropegial Institutions, and other

matters involving good Church order.

Section 7: The Synodal Court

The Synodal Court, comprised of the members of the Holy Synod and presided over by the

Metropolitan, shall be convened at regular sessions of the Holy Synod and at other times, as

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necessary, to address judicial matters that are within its competence. If judgment requires the

augmentation of the number of bishops, Diocesan Bishops from other Orthodox Churches

shall be invited to participate.

Section 8: Competence of the Synodal Court

The Holy Synod shall act as the Court of first instance in all matters involving a bishop and as

the regular Court of final instance in all matters involving a bishop, a member of the clergy, or

a member of the laity. The Synodal Court shall never act as Court of first instance in cases

within the competence of Diocesan or Stavropegial Courts. The judgments of the Holy Synod

are not subject to appeal, except those cases which involve the deposition of a bishop or those

cases which the Sacred Canons reserve to the judgment of the worldwide communion of

Orthodox Churches.

Section 9: Standing Committee for Canonical Procedure

The Holy Synod may in its discretion establish a Standing Committee for Canonical Procedure

to which it may appoint experts in canon law, civil law, and other relevant disciplines in order

to provide assistance and advice to Ecclesiastical Courts, including Diocesan, Stavropegial,

and Synodal Courts. Any Standing Committee for Canonical Procedure may be charged by the

Holy Synod to recommend to it for its approval and adoption of general rules for canonical

procedure for use and application in all or several Courts of the Church. The Holy Synod may

also charge any Standing Committee for Canonical Procedure to recommend to it for its

approval and adoption special rules of canonical procedure as may be warranted by particular

circumstances, provided however that no such special rules may be promulgated for use in

application in any specific, individual case then pending.

ARTICLE XVI – NATIONAL GROUPS

When the good of the Church requires that particular national groups receive an assurance of

identity, the Holy Synod may establish Dioceses and/or deaneries and set standards for their

participation in the life of The Orthodox Church in America by mutual agreement with the

group and until such time as the Diocesan structure of the Church can be organized on an

exclusively territorial basis. If a given group is organized as a Diocese, the bishop of this

Diocese is a member of the Holy Synod and receives an episcopal title defined territorially.

The Statute shall constitute the fundamental law for the existence of all such groups within

The Orthodox Church in America.

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ARTICLE XVII - AMENDMENTS

Section 1

The Statute may be amended by a regular All-American Council or an extraordinary All-

American Council called for that purpose. An amendment can be proposed by the Holy

Synod, the Metropolitan Council, Diocesan Assemblies, Diocesan Councils, Deaneries, Parish

Assemblies, Parish Councils, Monasteries, and Seminaries.

Section 2

A proposed amendment must be submitted to the Commission on Canons and Statute at least

ninety (90) days prior to the date set for the convening of an All-American Council. The

Commission on Canons and Statute shall consider proposed amendments and may either

approve, consolidate, or return proposed amendments.

Section 3

Final drafts of proposed amendments, together with recommendations of the Commission on

Canons and Statute, shall be disseminated at least sixty (60) days prior to the date set for the

convening of the All-American Council.

Section 4

An amendment of the Statute requires a two-thirds majority of the delegates of an All-

American Council present and voting.

Section 5

Upon adoption, amendments take effect immediately upon final adjournment of the All-

American Council unless otherwise indicated in the amendment itself.

ARTICLE XVIII – EFFECTIVE DATE

The Statute shall become effective on November 1, 2015. Upon its effective date, the Statute

replaces and supplants all previous versions, which shall then stand repealed.

Dioceses, Parishes, monasteries, institutions, offices, and organizations of the Church shall

review their governing documents and administrative practices and conform them to the

Statute by December 31, 2017.

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Should a conflict arise following the effective date, November 1, 2015, between or among

presently governing documents and the Statute, the Statute shall govern.

GLORY TO GOD FOR ALL THINGS!